ribaldry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “ribaldry” mean?
Humour or language that is coarse, vulgar, and often sexually explicit in a humorous or mocking way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Humour or language that is coarse, vulgar, and often sexually explicit in a humorous or mocking way.
The quality or state of being ribald; behavior, speech, or writing characterized by coarse, irreverent, or lewd humor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned, boisterous, tavern-style humor in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; slightly higher occurrence in historical or literary criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “ribaldry” in a Sentence
The [noun] was filled with ribaldry.His stories descended into ribaldry.A sense of ribaldry pervaded the gathering.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare and inappropriate.
Academic
Used in literary, historical, or cultural studies discussing humor, satire, or social history.
Everyday
Very rare; would sound archaic or overly formal.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribaldry”
- Mispronouncing as 'rye-bold-ree'. Confusing with 'ribbonry'. Using it to mean simple rudeness without the humorous, earthy connotation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. It describes coarse humor, which can be condemned for its vulgarity or appreciated for its earthy, liberating honesty depending on context and audience.
Yes, it can describe both spoken humor and written content, like in certain poems, plays, or songs.
'Ribaldry' specifically implies a humorous or jesting intent behind the coarse language. 'Obscenity' is broader, covering anything grossly offensive without the necessary element of humor.
Yes, 'ribald' is the adjective form (e.g., 'a ribald joke'). The noun 'ribald' is archaic, meaning a person who uses such language.
Humour or language that is coarse, vulgar, and often sexually explicit in a humorous or mocking way.
Ribaldry is usually formal/literary in register.
Ribaldry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb.əld.ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb.əld.ri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RIBALD (rude) RY (ryhmes with 'rye' bread) - rude talk over bread and ale.
Conceptual Metaphor
VULGARITY IS LOW / HUMOR IS A RELEASE OF PRESSURE
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'ribaldry' be LEAST appropriate?