ruddy

American  

[ruhd-ee] / ˈrʌd i /

adjective

ruddier, ruddiest

1. of or having a fresh, healthy red color.

   a ruddy complexion.

2. red or reddish.

3. British Slang. damned.

   a ruddy fool.

---

adverb

1. British Slang. damned.

   He'd ruddy well better be there.

ruddy British  

/ ˈrʌdɪ /

adjective

1. (of the complexion) having a healthy reddish colour, usually resulting from an outdoor life

2. coloured red or pink

   a ruddy sky

---

adverb

1. (intensifier) bloody; damned

   a ruddy fool

Other Word Forms

• ruddily adverb
• ruddiness noun

Etymology

Origin of ruddy

before 1100; Middle English rudi, Old English rudig. See rudd, -y ¹

Explanation

Ruddy is used to describe something that is reddish — like the color of red hair, tomatoes, or a friend's cheeks on a cold winter's day. Ruddy is commonly used to describe someone's complexion. In this case, it describes a healthy, reddish glow. If you're normally pale, your skin might have a ruddy tone from working outside. You may hear someone use ruddy as a negative adjective, as well. In Britain it is a substitute for words like bloody or darn: "The ruddy door is stuck again. I'm going to take an axe to it!"

Example Sentences

Tracing lipstick’s ruddy arc across the years, we can see how wildly its meanings diverge.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Training her sights on a ruddy Sean Penn, Glaser remarked on Hollywood’s obsession with looking younger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

The neighbor was a man in his early 40s, slim with jet-black hair, narrow eyes, and ruddy skin.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 2025

Blue eyes, ruddy complexion and light brown hair, he reminded her of her grandmother.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 8, 2024

As if to prove this exact point, the clouds shifted and golden afternoon sunlight cut through the ruddy canopy.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman