What does ribaldry mean?
Ribaldry is humorous or playful vulgarity, particularly language or jokes that are indecent, sexually suggestive, or otherwise coarse. The word can describe both the character of a performance or speaker and the jokes, laughter, or remarks involved. It usually carries a sense of comic irreverence: the humour is deliberately earthy and may be enjoyed as outrageous or risqué, rather than intended as a serious attack on public morality. Ribaldry is common in discussion of comedy, satire, theatre, and historical literature, and it can describe a broad range of bawdy or obscene material. Its tone is therefore not entirely neutral; it combines amusement with the implication of indecency. In modern usage, it is often more literary than the general expression “vulgar humour,” and it can apply to both male and female performers or speakers.
nounHumorous or playful behavior involving vulgar, indecent, or sexually suggestive remarks and jokes. The term often implies coarse amusement rather than serious obscenity.
- Humorous or playful vulgarity, especially involving sexual or obscene jokes and remarks.
"The comedian's ribaldry amused the late-night audience but offended some viewers."
"The troupe's ribald humour was popular with working-class audiences."
"His remarks crossed the line from playful teasing into ribaldry."
The plural is rare but standard when referring to instances or types of ribald humour.
"The novel contains several ribaldries that may offend modern readers."
Ribaldry is humour with its trousers down: playful vulgarity that is meant to provoke laughter rather than solemn outrage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ribaldry come from?
Ribaldry derives from “ribald,” an adjective meaning vulgar, indecent, or licentious. “Ribald” entered English in the late Middle English or early modern period, probably through French, and ultimately has uncertain origins; some scholars connect it with a Germanic word meaning servant or fugitive, while the precise development is debated. The suffix -ry forms the noun from the adjective and has been used in English since the late 16th century.
How ribaldry is actually used
Ribaldry is often used to describe coarse or indecent amusement and can suggest a deliberately earthy or irreverent tone. It is less neutral than ordinary humour and may be mildly formal or literary in register.
Easily confused with ribaldry
Ribald is typically an adjective describing vulgar, indecent, or sexually suggestive material, whereas ribaldry is the noun meaning such humour or talk.