Ribaldry

Ribaldry is the use of vulgar, indecent, or offensive language, humor, or behavior, often characterized by crude jokes, sexual innuendo, and a lack of decorum. It can encompass bawdy stories, suggestive gestures, and sexually explicit content, designed to provoke laughter, shock, or simply entertain through its irreverent nature. While sometimes used in specific settings like comedic performances or festive occasions, ribaldry can also be considered offensive and inappropriate depending on the context and the audience.

Ribaldry meaning with examples

• The comedian's routine was filled with ribaldry, featuring jokes about bodily functions and suggestive references that had some audience members laughing hysterically while others cringed. Some felt it crossed the line, even in a comedy show context.
• During the raucous bachelor party, the air was thick with ribaldry. The groom and his friends exchanged crude jokes and off-color anecdotes that were meant to loosen inhibitions and celebrate the final night of freedom before marriage.
• The tavern was notorious for its ribaldry. Sailors and travelers would gather to share boisterous tales, sing bawdy songs, and engage in playful insults that often pushed the boundaries of polite conversation and included offensive statements.
• Shakespeare's plays, even the tragedies, often feature moments of ribaldry, such as the bawdy wordplay and sexual puns made by the clown characters, offering relief to the audience from intense drama.
• The novel, although set in a historical period, depicted scenes of such intense ribaldry that it sparked controversy. The explicit language and suggestive situations offended many readers who felt that it was unnecessary and exploitative.