Word of the Day - 08/11/26
ribald
/'rɪbəld/(adj.): humorously vulgar
The comedian's ribald humor was a hit with the late-night crowd.
(n.): a ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language
He was known as a ribald, constantly interjecting with off-color remarks at the party.
Word Origin
The word 'ribald' comes from Late Middle English, derived from Old French 'ribaud' (noun), which referred to a 'licentious person', 'rogue', or 'rascal'. This Old French term itself came from the verb 'ribalder', meaning 'to behave licentiously', or 'riber', meaning 'to be wanton'. The ultimate origin is believed to be Germanic, possibly from Frankish *riba, meaning 'harlot'.
The word 'ribaldry', meaning 'ribald language or behavior', shares the same direct Old French origin.