adj

ribald

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Ribald (adj) means Crude, vulgar or indecent in a way meant to amuse; treating sexual topics in a disrespectful, cheeky manner.

adj

Crude, vulgar or indecent in a way meant to amuse; treating sexual topics in a disrespectful, cheeky manner.

"Baron Cohen turns his attentions back towards England, satirising the Establishment’s contempt for what Nobby himself proudly calls “scum” with ribald and corrosive glee." — Robbie Collin, Grimsby review: ' Sacha Baron Cohen's vital, venomous action movie' (2016)

"The “South Park” social media account responded, “Wait, so we ARE relevant?” and added a ribald hashtag." — Derrick Bryson Taylor, ‘South Park’ Finds New Relevance Skewering the Trump Era (2025)

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Ribald came into English from Middle English ribald, itself from Old French ribaud, ribauld ("rogue, scoundrel") (which gave English ribaud), from Old French riber ("to be licentious"), from Frankish *rīban ("to copulate, be in heat", literally "to rub"), from Proto-Germanic *wrībaną ("to turn, twist, writhe"), from Proto-Indo-European *werp-, *werb- ("to turn, twist"), plus Old French -aud, from Frankish *-wald. It is related to Old High German rīban ("to rub"), German reiben ("to rub") and Dutch wrijven ("to rub"), and compares with Old High German hrība ("prostitute"). See also English wrap.

Synonyms

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bawdy

Antonyms

modest

Related words

limited grand laugh minor vast moderate modest retiring

Rhymes for ribald

Archibald

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of ribald?

"ribald" (adj) means crude, vulgar or indecent in a way meant to amuse; treating sexual topics in a disrespectful, cheeky manner.

What is another word for ribald?

Other words for "ribald" include bawdy.

What is the opposite of ribald?

The opposite of "ribald" is modest.

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