'ribaldic' derives from the adjective 'ribald' in English, which in Middle English appeared as 'ribald'/'ribaldus' and was influenced by Old French 'ribaud'/'ribald'.

'ribaldic' developed from Middle English 'ribald' (from Old French 'ribaud'/'ribald'), with the adjectival suffix -ic later added in Modern English to form 'ribaldic'.

Initially related to a 'ribald' person or rude, insolent behavior, it evolved to describe language, humor, or expression that is coarse or lewd—i.e., 'characterized by vulgar or bawdy humor.'