bawdy speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bawdy speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is indecent, vulgar, or sexually suggestive, often in a humorous context. Example: "The comedian's bawdy speech had the audience laughing, despite the risqué nature of his jokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Swordplay, bodice ripping, bawdy speech and the cold-blooded murder of the truth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I abhor lewd and bawdy language," she said.

Huffington Post

A two-time Writers Guild Award winner and five-time Academy Award nominee, Mazursky, taking the stage in a wheelchair, received a standing ovation before delivering a delightfully bawdy, rather rambling and entirely heartfelt speech.

Los Angeles Times

Punch and Judy tend to bang into each other; the movement is bawdy and slapstick, and the action and speech are often explicit and violent in a way that would not be tolerable or feasible in human theater.

The New York Times

Among the speeches he digitized is the bawdy banter of poet Swami X, renowned for his risque performances at Venice Beach and in Berkeley.

Los Angeles Times

The Interview, the gross-out satire that has united Americans in support of free speech and against North Korea, is broad, bawdy and bad – but also consistently, undeniably entertaining.

Independent

Now 86, he's lost his speech and has increasing memory problems, but his bawdy sense of humour is very much intact.

The Guardian

Child-care is provided by the lovably outspoken Rosa (Mirtha Ibarra), a Cuban émigré who fills the role generally taken by the African-American co-worker in Hollywood pictures, providing blunt and bawdy commentary on the action and the occasional go-for-it speech.

The New York Times

His words were prophetic, aphoristic, instructive, bawdy, hilarious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Free speech is often messy, foul-mouthed, obscene, intolerant, undignified, insensitive, cantankerous, bawdy and volatile.

Huffington Post

While the show smashed boundaries of on-screen female speech (remember the c-word episode?), Parker herself is entirely less bawdy: "If something is really vulgar, I have conversations with the writers where I say I'm not comfortable with that..

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bawdy speech", consider your audience and the context to ensure that the level of humor and explicitness is appropriate. This phrase is best suited for mature audiences and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "bawdy speech" in formal or professional contexts where it could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate. It is important to distinguish it from wit or satire, which may have intellectual or social commentary, as "bawdy speech" primarily aims for crude humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bawdy speech" functions as a noun phrase, where "bawdy" is an adjective modifying the noun "speech". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in English. The primary grammatical function is to describe a specific type of language characterized by its indecency and vulgarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bawdy speech" is a phrase used to describe language that is indecent, vulgar, or sexually suggestive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, often to describe the content of theatrical performances, literary works, or humorous exchanges. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider your audience and context to ensure its appropriateness, as it's generally better suited for mature audiences and informal settings. Related phrases include "risqué language" and "lewd talk", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Risqué language

Emphasizes the sexually suggestive nature of the language.

Lewd talk

Highlights the overtly sexual and offensive nature of the speech.

Indecent language

Focuses on the lack of propriety and moral standards in the speech.

Vulgar expression

Stresses the crudeness and lack of refinement in the way things are said.

Crude remarks

Highlights the offensive and unpolished nature of the comments.

Offensive jesting

Focuses on the upsetting and disrespectful quality of the humor.

Raunchy banter

Implies a playful but explicitly sexual exchange of words.

Rude discourse

Highlights the impolite and disrespectful nature of the conversation.

Improper language

Emphasizes the unsuitability and inappropriateness of the speech in a given context.

Dirty jokes

Focuses specifically on jokes that are sexually explicit or indecent.

FAQs

How can I use "bawdy speech" in a sentence?

You can use "bawdy speech" to describe language that is indecent, vulgar, or sexually suggestive in a humorous way. For example: "The play was filled with "bawdy speech" that had the audience roaring with laughter."

What are some synonyms for "bawdy speech"?

Alternatives to "bawdy speech" include "risqué language", "lewd talk", or "indecent language", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "bawdy speech" from other forms of humor?

"Bawdy speech" relies on crude or sexual humor, often pushing boundaries of social acceptability. Unlike wit or satire, which may have deeper social commentary, "bawdy speech" is primarily intended to provoke laughter through shock or surprise.

Is "bawdy speech" appropriate for all audiences?

No, "bawdy speech" is generally not appropriate for all audiences. It is best suited for mature audiences and informal settings where such humor is expected or tolerated. Consider the context and your audience before using "bawdy speech" to avoid causing offense.