adj
bawdy
BAW-dee
Bawdy (adj) means Humorously crude or sexual in a way that is meant to amuse rather than offend. Example: “The comedian told a string of bawdy jokes that had the whole pub laughing.”
adj
1
Humorously crude or sexual in a way that is meant to amuse rather than offend.
"The comedian told a string of bawdy jokes that had the whole pub laughing."
"Shakespeare's plays are full of bawdy wordplay."
How to use bawdy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRude or sexual humour, usually in an old-fashioned, cheeky rather than shocking way.
When to use it
Often used to describe old comic songs, jokes, or literature rather than modern crude talk.
Common pairings
a bawdy joke
bawdy humour
bawdy song
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Word forms
- Plural
- bawdies
- Comparative
- bawdier, more bawdy
- Superlative
- bawdiest, most bawdy
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The comedian told a string of _____ jokes that had the whole pub laughing.
Etymology
From an old word "bawd," meaning a person who ran a brothel, plus the suffix "-y."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of bawdy?
"bawdy" (adj) means humorously crude or sexual in a way that is meant to amuse rather than offend.
What is another word for bawdy?
Other words for "bawdy" include ribald.
What is the opposite of bawdy?
The opposite of "bawdy" is modest.
How do you use bawdy in a sentence?
Example: "The comedian told a string of bawdy jokes that had the whole pub laughing."
