noun
ribaldry
RIB-ul-dree/ˈrɪbldri/
Coarse or irreverent sexual humor.
The comedian's ribaldry draws an embarrassed laugh from a spectator.
Etymology
Ribalt described a rogue or lewd person, and the related noun covered both dissolute conduct and bawdy speech. The modern sense focuses on the coarse, sexually suggestive language.
More examples
- The movie mixes clever wordplay with ribaldry about the characters' sex lives.
- She enjoys a little ribaldry but tires of endless dirty jokes.
- The wedding toasts are full of affectionate teasing and ribaldry.
Forms
ribaldry
ribald adjective — Coarse and sexually suggestive in humor.
Similar words
- bawdiness
- Can describe a generally lewd tone, not just humor.
- vulgarity
- Includes offensive language or behavior beyond sexual humor.