/ ˈrʌdi; NAmE / adjective , adverb
■ adjective
1.
( of a person's face ) looking red and healthy :
ruddy cheeks
a ruddy complexion
2.
( literary ) red in colour :
a ruddy sky
3.
[ only before noun ] ( BrE , informal ) a mild swear word that some people use to show that they are annoyed :
I can't get the ruddy car to start!
■ adverb
( BrE , informal ) a mild swear word used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed :
There was a ruddy great hole in the ceiling.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Old English rudig , from the base of archaic rud red colour ; related to red .