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Added 10 October 2026

ruddy

/ˈɹʌdi/ adjective

In Latin: rubicundus Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about ruddy at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life.
a ruddy complexion
Of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English rody, from Old English rudiġ (“reddish; ruddy”), from rudu + -iġ. By surface analysis, rud (“redness”) + -y. Compare Icelandic roði (“redness”). The British slang sense expressing irritation is presumably a euphemism for bloody.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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