ruddy

[ ruhd-ee ]

adjective

, rud·di·er, rud·di·est.

1. of or having a fresh, healthy red color:

   a ruddy complexion.

2. red or reddish.
3. British Slang. damned:

   a ruddy fool.

adverb

1. British Slang. damned:

   He'd ruddy well better be there.

ruddy

/ ˈrʌdɪ /

adjective

1. (of the complexion) having a healthy reddish colour, usually resulting from an outdoor life
2. coloured red or pink

   a ruddy sky

adverb

1. (intensifier) bloody; damned

   a ruddy fool

Derived Forms

• ˈruddiness, noun
• ˈruddily, adverb

Other Words From

• ruddi·ly adverb
• ruddi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruddy¹

before 1100; Middle English rudi, Old English rudig. See rudd, -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruddy¹

Old English rudig , from rudu redness (see rudd ); related to Old High German rot red ¹, Swedish rod , Old Norse rythga to make rusty

Example Sentences

Anne Morgan, whose brother Seamus Ruddy was one of The Disappeared and whose remains were recovered in 2017, also attended the walk.

From BBC

Blue eyes, ruddy complexion and light brown hair, he reminded her of her grandmother.

From Los Angeles Times

Chris Ruddy, the CEO of conservative news outlet Newsmax, said the course was a "very large... sprawling area" that would take a "mini army" to lock down.

From BBC

Tall and muscular, with a raspy voice and a city kid’s swagger, Ruddy produced more than 30 movies and was on hand for the very top and very bottom, from “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby” to “Cannonball Run II” and “Megaforce,” nominees for Golden Raspberry awards for worst movie of the year.

From Seattle Times

The person who concerned Mr. Ruddy most was Joseph Colombo Sr., the reputed Mafia crime boss who had founded the Italian American Civil Rights League.

From New York Times