bawdy

/ˈbɔːdi/

Group 29Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent
GRE

Example in Context

The playwright's bawdy humor, which delighted audiences of the time, caused later critics to underestimate the sophistication of her social commentary.

Synonyms

crudevulgarraunchy

Etymology

Relating to bawdy houses where humorously indecent acts occur.

  • bawd (Middle English) — a prostitute

Memory Aid

😏Sounds like “bawd-y

A BAWDY comedian telling raunchy jokes while dressed as a naughty clown!

Visual Association

🍑A clown juggling oversized fruit while making cheeky innuendos that make everyone giggle.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “bawdy” mean on the GRE?

bawdy (adjective) means “Dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent”. The playwright's bawdy humor, which delighted audiences of the time, caused later critics to underestimate the sophistication of her social commentary.

How to remember “bawdy” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “bawdy” sounds like “bawd-y”. A BAWDY comedian telling raunchy jokes while dressed as a naughty clown!

What are synonyms for “bawdy”?

Common synonyms: crude, vulgar, raunchy.