The word "ribald" comes from Middle English *ribaud*, which is borrowed from the Old French *ribaud*. This Old French term was used to describe a person of low moral character, often a rogue or a scamp. Going further back, the Old French *ribaud* is derived from the Vulgar Latin *rīpalducus*, which itself comes from the Latin word *rīpa*, meaning "riverbank" or "shore." The connection here is that a *rīpa* was often associated with nomadic or vagrant lifestyles, those who would frequent riverbanks. Over time, "ribald" evolved in English to describe something characterized by coarse or indecent language or humor, often with a sexual undertone.