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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Ribald

Definition

(literary/formal) Humorously or irreverently indecent or off-color, often in a way that is playful or teasing rather than seriously offensive. Typically used to describe jokes, comments, or performances that push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in polite conversation.

Example Sentences

1The stand-up comedian's ribald routine left some audience members blushing, but most were laughing too hard to be offended.
2Shakespeare's plays often feature ribald characters and dialogue, which were considered risqué in their time but are now celebrated for their wit and cleverness.
3The novel's ribald humor and explicit content have made it a favorite among some readers, but others have criticized it for being too graphic and disturbing.
4The actor's ribald ad-libs during the live broadcast were quickly edited out of the taped version, but not before they had caused a stir on social media.
5There is a fine line between ribald humor and outright obscenity, and not all comedians are able to navigate it successfully.

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