ribald

Ribald (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does ribald mean?

Vulgar, coarse, and often characterized by sexually explicit or indecent content.
"The company's advertising was criticized for being ribald and offensive."

Detailed Meaning of Ribald

When something is described as ribald, it typically implies a lack of propriety and a willingness to engage in irreverent, bawdy, or risqué commentary or jokes. Ribald humor often employs double entendres, innuendos, or explicit language to provoke laughter, shock, or discomfort. This term conveys a sense of impropriety and can be seen as offensive or inappropriate in certain social or formal settings. While ribald humor has its place in informal and comedic contexts, it is generally considered unsuitable for polite or formal conversation, as it often crosses the boundaries of good taste and decorum.

Example Sentences for Ribald

1. His ribald jokes made the room burst into laughter.
2. The comedian's ribald humor pushed the boundaries.
3. The play's ribald humor shocked the conservative audience.
4. Her ribald remarks raised eyebrows at the dinner party.
5. The ribald comments were not suitable for a formal setting.
6. The sitcom was known for its ribald humor and irreverence.

Origin and Etymology of Ribald

The adjective 'ribald' traces its etymological roots back to the medieval Latin term 'ribaldus,' which originally referred to a common, low-class person or a rogue. The word 'ribaldus' itself likely derived from the Old French word 'ribaut,' which had similar connotations of a disorderly, unruly individual. Over time, 'ribald' underwent a semantic shift and came to describe speech or behavior that was not only coarse and vulgar but often characterized by explicit or indecent content, especially of a sexual nature. This evolution reflects how language can adapt and expand in meaning over the centuries, with 'ribald' transitioning from a term describing social status to one associated with lewd or indecent language and behavior.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective ribald:

polite

refined

coarse

decent

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Ribald

1. The ribald banter between friends kept the mood light.
2. The comedian's ribald punchlines delighted the audience.
3. His ribald stories had everyone in stitches.
4. The song's ribald lyrics left some listeners uncomfortable.
5. The movie's ribald scenes earned it an adult rating.
6. The actor's ribald performance drew both applause and criticism.
7. His ribald sense of humor could be polarizing.
8. The comedian's ribald anecdotes were a hit at the club.
9. The ribald jokes in the show were not suitable for children.
10. Her ribald sense of humor was an acquired taste.
11. The ribald comments during the interview surprised the host.
12. The ribald humor in the book added a comedic element.
13. The sitcom's ribald jokes tested the boundaries of television.
14. The ribald banter among friends made the evening memorable.
15. He made ribald jokes at the expense of his coworkers.
16. She was known for her ribald sense of humor.
17. He made ribald comments about women that were deemed inappropriate.
18. She wrote ribald poetry that was popular among certain circles.
19. The group's performances were known for their ribald content.
20. He lost all professional respect after his ribald comments went viral.
21. He made ribald gestures that were considered crude and offensive.
22. She was criticized for her ribald behavior at the party.
23. The politician's ribald language was considered unbecoming of a public figure.
24. He made ribald comments about minorities that were deemed racist.
25. She was known for her ribald sense of humor that some found offensive.
26. The company's ribald slogans and advertisements were deemed offensive by some.