bawdy
UK: ˈbɔːdi | US: ˈbɔːdi
adj. humorously indecent or vulgar in a coarse way
adj. relating to or characteristic of bawdry (obsolete)
The word "bawdy" traces back to the Middle English term bawd, meaning a panderer or brothel keeper, derived from Old French baud (merry, bold). Over time, bawd evolved to describe lewdness or vulgar humor, with the suffix -y forming the adjective. The shift from "boldness" to "indecency" reflects societal associations between unrestrained merriment and risqué behavior.
The play was filled with bawdy jokes that made the audience laugh.
Shakespeare often used bawdy humor to entertain groundlings.
The tavern echoed with bawdy songs late into the night.
Her bawdy remarks shocked the conservative guests.
The comedian’s bawdy routine was not suitable for children.