adjective
blue
Sexually explicit in a way considered indecent.
The comedian leaves the blue jokes out of the family show.
Etymology
An extension of the color word to indecent material. The connection is established in usage, but its original motivation is uncertain.
More examples
- The film contained several blue scenes.
- Her late-night routine was too blue for daytime radio.
- The club advertised a deliberately blue comedy act.
Forms
blue
Similar words
- risque
- Usually suggests sexual impropriety without fully explicit content.
- obscene
- Obscene is usually a stronger judgment of offensiveness.