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DictionaryruddyMild emphasis
adjective

ruddy

Adds emphasis, often expressing mild annoyance.

I can't get this ruddy printer to work today.

Etymology
ruddOld Englishredness
+yEnglishcharacterized by

Ruddy ordinarily means reddish. Its emphatic use became a mild substitute for bloody, drawing on the color association while functioning as an intensifier.

More examples

  • Where are my ruddy keys?
  • Just follow the ruddy instructions.
  • It's a ruddy good idea, even if it costs more.

Forms

ruddy

Similar words

darn
Similarly mild, but more usual in informal American speech.
damn
Expresses stronger emphasis and is more likely to offend.