Ribauds

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterized by a coarse or vulgar manner, often reflecting crudeness or lewdness in behavior or language
2. Associated with a disreputable or lowly status, frequently involving promiscuous or indecent conduct
3. Relating to individuals who may be regarded as boorish or lacking refinement, commonly displaying a disregard for social etiquette

Etymology: "Ribauds" is the plural of "ribaud", a noun that in English denotes vulgar, low-class rogues. The singular form was borrowed from Old French, where "ribaud" (earlier "ribaut") described a lewd, debauched fellow, and it came into English in Middle English, when the word was used for the disreputable camp followers and hangers-on who clustered around armies and royal courts. Because the plural is the form most often seen in older texts, English readers have tended to meet it before the singular. Its sense of cheerful, scruffy riffraff has stayed close to its original French meaning of a licentious, dissolute character.

Synonyms: debauchees, libertines, roués, profligates, dissolutes

Antonyms: prudish, puritan