ribald

[ rib-uhld; spelling pronunciation rahy-buhld ]

adjective

1. vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous.

   Synonyms: gross, obscene, indecent

   Antonyms: pure

noun

1. a ribald person.

ribald

/ ˈrɪbəld /

adjective

1. coarse, obscene, or licentious, usually in a humorous or mocking way

noun

1. a ribald person

Derived Forms

• ˈribaldly, adverb

Other Words From

• ribald·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ribald¹

1200–50; Middle English ribald, ribaud (noun) < Old French ribau ( l ) d, equivalent to rib ( er ) to be licentious (< Old High German rīben to copulate, be in heat, literally, rub) + -au ( l ) d, -alt < Frankish *-wald a suffix in personal names, derivative of *walden to rule; compare parallel development of -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of ribald¹

C13: from Old French ribauld , from riber to live licentiously, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

There may have been some who might have scolded a former president for – gasp – daring to indulge in ribald, low-brow swipes.

From Salon

The HBO series is one of many tones, some ribald and raunchy, some deeply introspective, all reflective of a performer who has worked extremely hard to get here.

From Los Angeles Times

Lou, conversely, was the toast of the town: an institution-building entrepreneur and voluble drinking buddy known for wearing loud turtlenecks, cracking ribald jokes and eating like a barn animal.

From New York Times

His breakthrough work was 1960’s “The Sot-Weed Factor,” a parody of historical fiction with a multitude of plot twists and ribald hijinks.

From Seattle Times

While the film, starring Oscar contender for best actress Emma Stone and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, departs from Gray’s Glasgow setting, it does capture the madcap, ribald and provocative tone of its source material.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bawdy
• coarse
• foul-mouthed
• lewd
• naughty
• off-color
• racy
• rude
• sly