It is also used in the names of some birds, such as the american ruddy duck. Add to word list (of a white person’s skin) having a red color, often suggesting good health 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. Having a healthy, reddish color Chiefly british slang used as an intensive You ruddy liar! (john galsworthy)
[middle english rudi, from old english rudig There are 12 meanings listed in oed's entry for the word ruddy, one of which is labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Ruddy (comparative ruddier, superlative ruddiest) drystone walls, farm buildings and stone cottages, roofed with ruddy tiles, line the way and blend gently into the surrounding countryside Robust and vigorous, like a person with a red complexion (as compared to a pale one). Of or having a fresh, healthy red color.
If you describe someone's face as ruddy, you mean that their face is a reddish colour, usually because they are healthy or have been working hard, or because they are angry or embarrassed He had a naturally ruddy complexion His face is still ruddy and handsome. Glowing, tanned, red, rosy, warm, flush, brown, rubicund Pale, pallid, ashen, sallow, pasty, ashy, livid, wan Ruddy well british, informal — used before a verb to stress anger, annoyance, or disapproval
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