ribald
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “ribald” mean?
noun.referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent way.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing literature, humor, or social commentary, emphasizing a playful yet irreverent approach to taboo subjects. It suggests a blend of wit and vulgarity, distinguishing itself from terms like "salacious," which focuses more on lewdness than humor.
Common Confusions
Ribald implies humorously irreverent treatment of sexual matters, while salacious usually suggests a more serious and explicit focus on lewdness without the element of wit.
Do not choose ribald if the context emphasizes seriousness or decorum rather than referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent way.
Example Sentences
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The ribald jokes made some in the audience uncomfortable.