What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ribald
Example
The comedian's ribald jokes had the audience laughing out loud. [ribald: adjective]
Example
The group of friends enjoyed ribald banter over drinks at the bar. [ribald: noun]
obscene
Example
The movie was banned for its obscene content. [obscene: adjective]
Example
The comedian's jokes crossed the line into obscenity and were met with criticism. [obscenity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obscene is more commonly used than ribald in everyday language. Obscene is a stronger word that is used to describe content that is considered indecent or inappropriate for public consumption. While ribald is less common and more likely to be used in literary or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ribald and obscene?
Both ribald and obscene are typically associated with informal or casual language. However, obscene is more likely to be used in negative or serious contexts, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
