NYT Dictionary

RAUNCHY

/ˈɹɔn(t)ʃi/
AdjectiveRAUN-chyraun-chy · 2 syllablesGrade 12

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024

Meaning

Smutty; indecent.

Etymology

Origin: Spanish

Of unknown etymology. Originally U.S. Army Air Corps slang; origins among cadets in Texas suggest a possible connection to Mexican Spanish rancho (see ranch), which had connotations of animal filth by 1864.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

lewdobscenesalaciousbegrimeddingygrimygrubbygrungybawdyblue

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram:

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