Vocabulary Spotlight
Bawdy
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Humorously indecent or vulgar, often in a playful or exaggerated way.
“The comedian’s bawdy jokes had the audience both laughing and blushing.”
Pronunciation
[baw-dee]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Lewd
Vulgar
Racy
Indecent
Antonyms
Modest
Clean
Decent
Respectful
Related Words
Bawdiness (n.)
Raunchy
Word Origin
The word “bawdy” originated in the late Middle English period, derived from “bawd,” meaning “procurer” or “panderer,” and came to imply something indecent or ribald. Its connotations shifted over time to describe humor with indecent elements.
Word Family
Adjective: Bawdy – Indecent in a humorous way.
Adverb: Bawdily – In a bawdy manner.
Noun: Bawdiness – The quality of being humorously indecent or vulgar.
Mnemonics
Think “Bawdy” sounds like “Body” humor – jokes that may be about the body or in a humorous, indecent tone.
Industry-specific Usage
Comedy
In comedy, bawdy humor refers to jokes that are indecent but humorous, often making audiences laugh with risqué material.
Theater
In classical theater, bawdy humor was often used in plays to entertain audiences with lighthearted, sometimes vulgar, humor.
Literature
Bawdy humor is common in classic literature, such as Shakespearean plays, where characters use playful, indecent wit.
In Context
In entertainment, bawdy humor is often used to add light-hearted, risqué elements to shows or performances. While it is typically intended to amuse, it may not be appropriate for all audiences, making it a distinctive feature of certain genres of comedy and theater.