ribald
C1/C2formal, literary, descriptive
Definition
Meaning
referring to humor, language, or behavior that is coarse, vulgar, or lewd in a way that is amusing or irreverent.
can describe a person who indulges in or is characterized by such humor, or a literary or artistic work featuring such content.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a humorous or mocking intent behind the vulgarity, rather than mere obscenity. Can carry historical or literary connotations (e.g., medieval or Renaissance contexts).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English due to historical literary traditions, but equally understood in American English.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, more likely encountered in written criticism, historical texts, or sophisticated commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ + N (ribald humour)N + of + ADJ (a man of ribald wit)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ribald humour”
- “ribald wit”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literary, historical, or cultural studies to describe works or traditions.
Everyday
Very rare; would sound formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The play was criticised for its ribald depiction of courtly life.
- He entertained the crowd with a series of ribald limericks.
American English
- The comedian's ribald routine shocked some audience members.
- The novel is filled with ribald anecdotes from the frontier.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film had some ribald jokes that weren't suitable for children.
- His ribald sense of humour often got him into trouble at formal events.
- The medieval manuscript contained ribald verses that contrasted sharply with the religious texts of the era.
- Critics praised the play's ribald wit, which cleverly satirised societal norms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'rib' as in poking someone's ribs during a crude joke, and 'bald' as in blunt or bare — together, they hint at humor that is barefacedly vulgar.
Conceptual Metaphor
VULGARITY IS A FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT; LEWDNESS IS A TOOL FOR SUBVERSION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as simply 'смешной' (funny) — it specifically implies vulgarity. Use 'непристойный', 'вульгарный', or 'площадной' (for humour).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe any type of humour without the vulgar/sexual element.
- Pronouncing it as /raɪˈbɔːld/ (common error).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'ribald'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It can be negative when criticizing indecency, but it may also be used appreciatively to describe humor that is cleverly irreverent or historically authentic.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it refers to a person who uses ribald language or tells ribald stories (e.g., 'He was known as a ribald').
It comes from Old French 'ribaud', meaning a licentious or low-status person, likely of Germanic origin.
They are very close synonyms. 'Ribald' often implies a more mocking or irreverent edge, while 'bawdy' can be more lighthearted and focused on sexual innuendo.