ribald
UK[ˈrɪb.əld]US[ˈrɪb.əld]
adj
Referring to humor or language that is coarse, vulgar, or irreverent in a humorous way.
n
A person who uses coarse, vulgar, or irreverent humor.
Etymology
The word 'ribald' entered English in the 13th century from the Old French 'ribauld', meaning a lowly, dissolute person. The Old French term likely derives from the verb 'riber', meaning 'to live licentiously', which itself has Germanic origins, possibly related to a word for 'prostitute'. The core semantic thread from its origin is one of low social status and unrestrained, often indecent, behavior. Over time in English, the primary meaning shifted from describing a person of vulgar character to describing the type of coarse, mocking humor such a person might employ.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from French. Its spelling and form are not productively divisible into meaningful substrings in modern English.
Examples
The comedian was known for his ribald sense of humor, which often shocked more conservative audiences.
The play was full of ribald jokes and innuendo, typical of the Restoration period.
He dismissed the critique as nothing more than ribald mockery lacking any substantive argument.