ruddy
UK: ˈrʌdi | US: ˈrʌdi
adj. having a healthy red color (often used for complexion)
adj. (archaic/informal) bloody or damned (euphemistic intensifier)
ruddy = rud<red> + dy<adjective suffix>
- rud (from Old English rudu, meaning "redness" or "red color")
- dy (adjective-forming suffix, akin to "-y" in modern English, indicating "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
"Ruddy" traces back to Old English rudig, derived from rudu (redness). The root rud- is linked to Proto-Germanic ruthaz (red), reflecting a natural association with healthy redness (e.g., cheeks). Over time, it acquired an informal intensifier sense ("ruddy hell") via euphemistic substitution for "bloody." The word’s evolution mirrors how color terms often expand into expressive or metaphorical usage.
The hiker’s face turned ruddy after hours in the cold wind.
She had a ruddy complexion that glowed with health.
(Archaic) "That ruddy fox stole my chickens again!"
(Informal) "It’s a ruddy nuisance to wait this long."
The sunset painted the sky in ruddy hues.