adjective
raunchy
RAWN-shee
adjective
1
Crude or sexually explicit in a way that can be humorous or shocking.
"The comedian's raunchy jokes weren't for the whole family."
"They watched a raunchy comedy after the kids went to bed."
How to Use Raunchy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCrude, sexually charged, or off-color — often used about jokes, films, or music.
When to use it
Informal; common in casual conversation and entertainment reviews, not formal writing.
Common pairings
raunchy joke
raunchy comedy
raunchy lyrics
Word Forms
raunchier comparative, raunchiest superlative
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The comedian's _____ jokes weren't for the whole family.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; began as U.S. military slang, possibly linked to Mexican Spanish rancho, which once carried connotations of filth or squalor.