ribald
Say it: RIB-uld /ˈrɪb(ə)ld/ · adjective
What “ribald” means
Making rude, funny remarks about sex.
More precisely: Referring to sex in a rude but humorous way.
Example: “Grandma's ribald stories at the wedding shocked the vicar.”
When to use it
Use it for coarse sexual jokes or stories, especially shared among adults; it sounds more literary than rude.
Similar words
bawdy, risqué, racy
Quick check
At an adults-only dinner, a guest tells rude jokes about bedroom activities, making friends laugh and blush. The humour is…
ribald or prudish?
Show the answer
ribald
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