'bawdy' originates from Middle English, specifically from the noun 'bawd' combined with the adjectival suffix '-y', where 'bawd' meant 'a woman who kept prostitutes; a procuress.'

'bawdy' changed from Middle English forms (derived from the noun 'bawd' + '-y') and eventually became the modern English word 'bawdy'. The noun 'bawd' is recorded from the late 13th century, and the adjective formed soon after.

Initially it was closely tied to associations with a 'bawd' (brothel-keeping or sexual immorality), but over time it broadened to mean generally 'indecent' or 'lewd', especially of humor or language.