Ribaldries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Indecent or obscene talk or behavior that is often humorous and playful in nature
2. A form of talk or conduct characterized by lewdness and ribaldness, generally intended to amuse
3. The use of irreverent language or actions that may include vulgar and risqué elements for comedic effect

Etymology: "Ribaldries" is the plural of "ribaldry," and the singular carries the older history. "Ribaldry" entered Middle English as "ribaldrie," borrowed from Old French "ribaulderie" or "ribauderie," which is built from "ribald" plus the suffix "-ry." The suffix, which marks a collective or a state, is the same ending found in "rivalry" and "slavery." The base word "ribald" came into English from Old French "ribaud," meaning a low-born man or a lewd fellow. The sense of coarse, irreverent talk grew out of that picture of a rough, unrefined character, so the noun first named a kind of conduct before it named a kind of speech.

Synonyms: ribaldry, vulgarities