CultureJune 16, 2026

bawdy

/ˈbɔːdi/

Definition

Dealing with sexual matters in a comical, irreverent, or crude way.

Etymology

The word originated in the 16th century from the Middle English 'baude,' meaning a procurer or pimp. It eventually evolved to describe speech or behavior that is lewd or indecent.

In the news

The article uses 'bawdy' to describe the provocative, humor-focused, and adult-oriented nature of RuPaul’s Drag Race, contrasting it with the slapstick style of the film 'Airplane!'.

‘Stop! That! Train!’ goes off the rails in a good way : Pop Culture Happy Hour

Read the full article ↗

NPR

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