Ribald

RIH-buhld

Definition

(adjective) Referring to sexual matters in a coarse or humorous way.

Example

The comedian’s ribald jokes made half the audience laugh—and the other half blush.

Fun Fact

“Ribald” has medieval roots where it referred to a lewd or vulgar person, often tied to jesters or bawdy entertainers. Today, it usually describes humor that’s raunchy but not malicious—think late-night standup or locker-room banter. It walks the line between clever and crude.

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