DIRTY Meaning and
Definition
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Dirty is an adjective that describes something as unclean, contaminated, or soiled. It refers to objects, places, or substances that have accumulated dirt, grime, or stains, presenting an unsightly or unpleasant appearance. Dirty can also pertain to activities or actions that are morally or ethically impure, indecent, or dishonest.
When applied to physical objects or places, dirty often signifies the presence of dirt, dust, or other unwanted substances. This can be due to a lack of cleanliness or maintenance. It can refer to soiled clothing, dirty dishes, or a filthy room.
In a metaphorical sense, dirty can describe actions or behavior that transgress societal norms, morals, or ethical standards. It can encompass actions involving deceit, vulgarity, or indecency. The term can also indicate involvement in unlawful or illicit activities.
Furthermore, dirty can imply an unsuitable or improper condition. For example, if someone describes a dirty joke, they are referring to a joke that is sexually explicit, vulgar, or offensive. The term can also be used to describe someone who engages in underhanded or unethical practices, such as engaging in dirty politics or a dirty business deal.
Overall, dirty conveys a sense of impurity, lack of cleanliness, or moral transgression, depending on the context in which it is used.
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• Foul; nasty; not clean; base; mean.
• To make foul or filthy; to soil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DIRTY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DIRTY
Etymology of DIRTY
The word "dirty" comes from the Old English word "dierne" which meant "filthy, unclean". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "durzjaz" which carried the same meaning. The Proto-Germanic word is thought to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "dhrus" meaning "to be muddy or dirty". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved, eventually becoming "dirty" in Modern English.
Idioms with the word DIRTY
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talk dirty
The idiom "talk dirty" typically refers to using explicit or vulgar language during conversation, often of a sexual nature. It can also suggest engaging in provocative or inappropriate discussions.
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do the dirty work
The idiom "do the dirty work" refers to performing unpleasant or undesirable tasks that others may not want to do. It often involves handling a situation or job that involves difficult, morally-questionable, or unglamorous aspects. This phrase implies taking responsibility for less desirable duties in order to achieve a desired outcome.
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do sb's dirty work
The idiom "do sb's dirty work" means to perform unpleasant, unethical, or undesirable tasks on behalf of someone else, typically to spare them from involvement or taking responsibility for their actions. It often implies completing tasks that require deceit, manipulation, or harm to others.
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dirty your hands
The idiom "dirty your hands" means to become involved in morally or ethically questionable activities or actions, often compromising one's own values or integrity. It typically implies engaging in activities that are dishonest, deceitful, or unethical.
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do the dirty on sb
The idiom "do the dirty on sb" means to betray or deceive someone, often in a sneaky or underhanded manner. It refers to engaging in dishonest or disloyal actions towards another person.
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give sb a dirty look
The idiom "give somebody a dirty look" refers to making a facial expression of disapproval, anger, or contempt towards someone, typically through a mean or hostile glare. It is an act of expressing negative emotions or hostility nonverbally through a disapproving or unpleasant facial expression.
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play dirty
The idiom "play dirty" means engaging in deceitful or unethical tactics to achieve one's goals, often disregarding fair play or moral standards. It typically refers to using dishonest or underhanded methods to gain an advantage over others.
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dirty dog
The idiom "dirty dog" is used to describe someone who is deceitful, dishonest, or untrustworthy. It is often used to refer to someone who has betrayed or treated others unfairly.
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give a dirty look
The idiom "give a dirty look" refers to the act of glaring, scowling, or giving an angry and disapproving facial expression to someone, usually as a non-verbal way of expressing annoyance, disapproval, or hostility towards them.
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get one's hands dirty and dirty one's hands soil one's hands
The idiom "get one's hands dirty" or "dirty one's hands" means to become personally involved in a task or situation, often one that is unpleasant, challenging, or morally questionable. It suggests a willingness to do whatever is necessary, including compromising one's principles or engaging in unethical behavior, in order to achieve a desired outcome.
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dirty deal
The idiom "dirty deal" refers to a dishonest or unethical business transaction or agreement which involves deception, fraud, or other illicit means to achieve personal gain or disadvantage others involved. It typically implies an action that is unfair, morally wrong, or contrary to accepted norms and principles of honesty and integrity.
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quick and dirty
The idiom "quick and dirty" refers to a way of performing a task or finding a solution that is done hastily and without much concern for quality or long-term effects. It implies taking shortcuts or using temporary measures to achieve immediate results, often sacrificing thoroughness or proper procedures.
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get hands dirty and dirty hands soil hands
The idiom "get hands dirty" or "dirty hands" refers to actively engaging in or being involved in a task or situation that may be physically demanding, morally questionable, or socially unacceptable. It implies a willingness to do the necessary work or make difficult decisions, even if they may tarnish one's reputation or go against conventional standards.
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get hands dirty
The idiom "get hands dirty" refers to actively engaging in hands-on or manual work, usually in a physical or practical sense. It implies one's willingness to tackle difficult or unpleasant tasks and not being afraid of exerting effort or getting involved in challenging situations.
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down and dirty
The idiom "down and dirty" refers to engaging in something in a direct, determined, and often aggressive manner, without any concern for moral or ethical boundaries. It can also imply engaging in tasks or activities that are physically demanding, tiresome, or unpleasant.
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do the dirty on
To "do the dirty on" someone means to betray or deceive them, often by acting unfairly or dishonestly towards them. It refers to the act of acting disloyally or treacherously towards someone, typically going against an agreement, trust or friendship.
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do dirty work
The idiom "do dirty work" refers to performing unpleasant or dishonest tasks, often on behalf of someone else or to achieve certain goals. It means undertaking tasks or responsibilities that others find undesirable or morally objectionable.
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dirty work
The idiom "dirty work" refers to tasks or actions that are unpleasant, morally questionable, unethical, or deal with deceitful or illegal activities. It often implies work or actions that most people would not want to do themselves due to their unpleasant or unethical nature.
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dirty word
The idiom "dirty word" refers to a term or phrase that is considered inappropriate, offensive, or socially unacceptable. It can also be used to describe a concept or topic that is viewed negatively or avoided due to its controversial or explicit nature.
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dirty up
The idiom "dirty up" means to make something or someone dirty or soiled. It refers to the act of causing something to become unclean or disheveled.
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dirty old man
The idiom "dirty old man" typically refers to an older man, often characterized as lecherous or sexually inappropriate, who has a tendency to behave inappropriately towards younger individuals, particularly women. This term is used to describe someone who engages in or has a reputation for indulging in inappropriate sexual thoughts, comments, or actions. It often implies a lack of respect for personal boundaries and a disregard for societal norms regarding appropriate behavior.
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dirty look
The idiom "dirty look" refers to a facial expression or glance that conveys strong disapproval, contempt, or anger towards someone. It is a non-verbal way of expressing one's negative emotions or judgment towards another person.
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dirty hands
The idiom "dirty hands" refers to being involved in or responsible for morally questionable or unethical activities. It suggests that a person has engaged in actions that can tarnish their reputation or make them feel guilty.
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a dirty word
The idiom "a dirty word" refers to a word or phrase that is considered vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate in a certain context. It implies language that is socially unacceptable or frowned upon due to its explicit nature.
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a dirty old man
The idiom "a dirty old man" refers to an older man, typically of advanced age, who displays inappropriate thoughts, desires, or behaviors related to sexual matters. This term is used to describe someone who has a penchant for making vulgar, lewd, or offensive comments or actions towards others, especially younger individuals.
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a dirty shame
The idiom "a dirty shame" refers to something that is unfortunate, embarrassing, or disgraceful. It typically denotes circumstances or behavior that is morally objectionable or socially unacceptable.
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give somebody a dirty look
The idiom "give somebody a dirty look" means to glare at someone with disapproval, anger, or contempt, typically without saying anything. It usually involves making a facial expression that conveys negative feelings or judgment toward the person being looked at.
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be a dirty word
The idiom "be a dirty word" typically means that something is considered disgraceful, inappropriate, or unacceptable in a particular context or society. It implies that the mentioned word or concept carries a negative connotation and is generally avoided or frowned upon.
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(do somebody’s) dirty work
The idiom "(do somebody's) dirty work" refers to performing unpleasant or immoral tasks on behalf of someone else. It implies taking care of tasks that the other person does not want to do themselves, often involving deceit, manipulation, or unethical actions. The phrase can also suggest carrying out someone's secret, illegal, or malicious agenda while they avoid responsibility or consequences.
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do the dirty on somebody
The idiom "do the dirty on somebody" means to betray, deceive, or be disloyal to someone, typically by acting dishonestly or treacherously towards them. It refers to the act of breaking a trust or commitment by engaging in actions that harm or undermine the person's interests, often resulting in feelings of betrayal or disappointment.
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get your hands dirty
The idiom "get your hands dirty" means to actively engage in physically challenging, messy, or unpleasant work, instead of avoiding or delegating it to others. It typically refers to being directly involved in practical tasks or taking personal responsibility, often requiring discomfort or hard work.
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dirty great/big
The idiom "dirty great/big" is used to describe something that is very large or significant in size. It implies that the object being referred to is not only big but also impressive or noteworthy. The term "dirty" is often added for emphasis, although it does not necessarily refer to the physical cleanliness of the object.
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dirty joke
A "dirty joke" is an idiom used to describe a joke that contains explicit or vulgar content, often related to topics of a sexual or offensive nature.
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a dirty look
The idiom "a dirty look" refers to a disapproving or hostile facial expression that conveys negativity or contempt towards someone or something. It depicts a glare or scowl that can be intended to intimidate, challenge, or express disapproval without saying a word.
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dirty look, give a
The idiom "give a dirty look" refers to casting a disdainful or disapproving glance at someone. It implies conveying frustration, anger, or dissatisfaction with nonverbal communication.
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dirty cop
The idiom "dirty cop" refers to a police officer who engages in corrupt or unethical behavior, such as taking bribes, manipulating evidence, or abusing their authority for personal gain.
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a dirty crack
The idiom "a dirty crack" typically refers to a vulgar or inappropriate remark, usually made in a joking or mocking manner. It can denote a comment that is offensive, disrespectful, or suggestive in nature.
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a dirty deal
The idiom "a dirty deal" refers to an agreement, transaction, or arrangement that is deceitful, dishonest, or morally questionable. It typically involves unfair or unethical practices, often resulting in harm or disadvantage for one or more parties involved. A dirty deal is characterized by its lack of integrity and an intention to benefit oneself at the expense of others, exploiting their trust or vulnerability.
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a dirty dog
The idiom "a dirty dog" typically refers to a person who is untrustworthy, deceitful, or behaves in a dishonest or sneaky manner. It suggests that the individual cannot be relied upon and has questionable morals.
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dirty (one's) hands
The idiom "dirty one's hands" refers to the act of personally engaging in, or being directly involved in, morally questionable or unethical activities. It implies the willingness to do something morally wrong or to compromise one's integrity for personal gain or advantage.
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dirty money
The idiom "dirty money" refers to ill-gotten or illegally obtained money, typically associated with criminal activities or unethical practices. It implies that the money is tainted or morally unclean because of its illicit origins.
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dirty pool
The idiom "dirty pool" refers to unfair or unethical behavior tactics. It implies that someone is using cunning or deceitful methods to gain an advantage over others, often resulting in harm or disadvantage to others.
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dirty tricks
The idiom "dirty tricks" refers to dishonest or unethical methods or tactics employed to gain an advantage over others or achieve a desired outcome, often involving deceit, manipulation, or the breaking of rules. It typically implies a sense of unfairness or underhandedness in the actions taken.
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dirty-minded
The idiom "dirty-minded" refers to someone who frequently has or suggests sexual or inappropriate thoughts. It describes a person with a mind that tends to interpret things in a vulgar or obscene way.
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dirty-mouth
The idiom "dirty-mouth" refers to someone who frequently uses vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language while speaking. It suggests that the person tends to have a foul or profane vocabulary.
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do (one's)/the dirty work
The idiom "do (one's)/the dirty work" means to perform unpleasant, difficult, or morally questionable tasks on behalf of someone else, often involving hard labor or unethical actions that the person prefers not to do themselves. It can also refer to undertaking tasks that others may consider menial or undesirable.
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do someone's dirty work
The idiom "do someone's dirty work" refers to the act of carrying out unpleasant or morally questionable tasks on behalf of someone else, typically to spare them from taking responsibility or facing negative consequences.
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do the dirty on (someone)
The idiom "do the dirty on (someone)" means to betray, deceive, or act dishonestly towards someone, typically by taking advantage of them or not keeping your promises to them. It refers to engaging in underhanded or unscrupulous behavior that harms or mistreats the person being deceived.
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get (one's) hands dirty
The idiom "get (one's) hands dirty" means to actively engage in or involve oneself in a task or activity, especially one that is physically demanding or morally compromising. It implies a willingness to work hard, face challenges, deal with difficult situations, and do whatever is necessary to achieve a goal, even if it requires getting personally involved in the less desirable aspects.
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get a dirty look (from someone)
The idiom "get a dirty look (from someone)" means to receive a disapproving or hostile facial expression or glance from someone. It implies that the person is angry, annoyed, or offended by your actions, words, or behavior.
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give (one) a dirty look
The idiom "give (one) a dirty look" refers to the act of giving someone a disapproving or scornful expression or glare. It conveys strong disapproval, anger, or displeasure toward the person being given the look, often without the need for words or verbal confrontation.
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give somebody/get a dirty look
The idiom "give somebody/get a dirty look" refers to the act of giving or receiving a disapproving or hostile glance or expression. It implies conveying negative emotions, such as anger, contempt, or disgust, through facial expressions.
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not dirty your hands
The idiom "not dirty your hands" typically means to avoid getting personally involved in a dishonest, immoral, or illegal activity. It implies staying away from any wrongdoing or maintaining one's innocence and integrity.
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shoot (one) a dirty look
The idiom "shoot (one) a dirty look" means to give someone a disapproving or scornful glare. It implies expressing disapproval, anger, or irritation towards someone through non-verbal communication.
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the dirty end of the stick
The idiom "the dirty end of the stick" refers to receiving the worst or most unfavorable outcome or situation in a given circumstance. It suggests being at a disadvantage, being unfairly treated, or getting stuck with an undesirable part or role.
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get your hands dirty (or dirty your hands)
The idiom "get your hands dirty" or "dirty your hands" means to actively involve yourself in a situation or task that is often considered unpleasant or unethical. It implies being willing to take on difficult, challenging, or morally compromising work instead of avoiding it or delegating it to others. It can also denote engaging in manual labor or getting physically involved in a task, particularly when it requires physical effort or working with one's hands.
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dirty great
The idiom "dirty great" is typically used to describe something that is large, significant, or noticeable in a negative or imposing manner. It often implies that the object or situation in question is unwieldy, clumsy, or even unpleasant to deal with. The term "dirty" in this context does not necessarily refer to literal dirtiness, but rather to the figurative idea of something being excessive, overwhelming, or imposing.
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air (one's) dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air (one's) dirty laundry in public" means to publicly reveal or discuss private or embarrassing matters, typically about oneself or others, which should have remained confidential. It implies that personal issues or conflicts are being unnecessarily exposed to the public, often resulting in gossip or humiliation.
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dirty linen
The idiom "dirty linen" refers to someone's personal secrets, flaws, or embarrassing information that should be kept private but has been made public, causing shame or embarrassment. It can also refer to conflicts or issues within a group or organization that are being exposed to the public, causing internal disputes or damaging the reputation of the group.
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dirty weekend
The idiom "dirty weekend" typically refers to a secretive or illicit weekend trip or getaway for romantic or sexual purposes. It implies a sense of secrecy or impropriety in the nature of the activities undertaken during the trip.
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air your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air your dirty laundry in public" means to openly discuss or reveal personal or private matters, especially ones that are embarrassing or disgraceful, in front of others who are not involved or concerned.
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dirty laundry
The idiom "dirty laundry" refers to someone's personal, private matters or secrets that are potentially embarrassing or damaging if exposed to others. It often implies shameful or unsavory actions, behavior, or information that someone wishes to keep hidden from the public or those close to them.
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someone's dirty laundry
The idiom "someone's dirty laundry" refers to private or embarrassing information about a person that is typically kept secret, but is revealed or exposed to the public, causing reputational damage or humiliation. It can also refer to someone's personal problems or issues that are known by others but not publicly acknowledged.
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wash your dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash your dirty linen in public" is used to express the act of openly discussing or revealing private matters, especially ones that are considered embarrassing or shameful, in front of others. It refers to the public exposure of personal or confidential information or conflicts that should remain private.
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wash one's dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty laundry in public" means to discuss or reveal personal or private matters, especially ones that are embarrassing or should be kept confidential, in a public or open setting. It refers to airing one's problems or issues in a way that lacks discretion or proper privacy.
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sm's dirty laundry
The idiom "sm's dirty laundry" refers to someone's or an organization's private matters or secrets that are embarrassing, unpleasant, or unsavory. It is often used when discussing or exposing hidden scandals, flaws, or wrongdoings of an individual, company, or institution.
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a dirty weekend
The idiom "a dirty weekend" typically refers to a short, usually secret getaway or vacation, usually for romantic or sexual purposes. It suggests a trip taken by a couple to engage in illicit or risqué activities, away from their usual routine or prying eyes.
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wash your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash your dirty laundry in public" refers to the act of discussing or revealing private matters, conflicts, or mistakes in a public or inappropriate setting, instead of handling them discreetly and privately. It suggests a lack of discretion or the tendency to openly share personal or confidential information.
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the dirty dozens
The idiom "the dirty dozens" typically refers to a form of verbal sparring or competitive insult exchange, where individuals trade insults or engage in playful banter. It involves trading twelve verbally abusive or offensive remarks in an attempt to intimidate or belittle the opponent.
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wash one's dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty linen in public" means to publicly expose or discuss private or embarrassing matters that should be kept confidential. It refers to airing one's personal problems or secrets in public rather than dealing with them privately.
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Do not wash your dirty linen in public.
The idiom "Do not wash your dirty linen in public" means to avoid discussing or revealing personal or private matters, especially those that could be embarrassing or create conflict, in a public setting. It advises against airing one's problems or conflicts in public, emphasizing the need for discretion and maintaining a sense of privacy. It encourages resolving issues privately rather than involving others unnecessarily.
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wash your dirty laundry/linen in public
The idiom "wash your dirty laundry/linen in public" refers to the act of discussing or revealing personal or private matters or conflicts in a public or inappropriate manner. It implies airing one's grievances or secrets in a public setting instead of dealing with them privately.
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dirty work at the crossroads
The idiom "dirty work at the crossroads" refers to engaging in dishonest or morally questionable activities, often performed in secret or hidden from public view. It implies engaging in unscrupulous actions, wrongdoing, or illicit behavior.
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air your dirty linen in public
The idiom "air your dirty linen in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or secrets, particularly ones that should have been kept concealed or resolved privately. It refers to airing or displaying personal problems or conflicts openly, often creating public embarrassment or shame.
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(one) does not wash (one's) dirty linen in public
The idiom "does not wash one's dirty linen in public" means to keep private matters, especially embarrassing or shameful ones, out of public knowledge or discussion. It implies that one should not reveal or discuss personal or internal issues or conflicts in public settings, as it may cause embarrassment or damage one's reputation.
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dirty trick
The idiom "dirty trick" refers to a deceitful or unfair action taken to gain an advantage over someone or to undermine their efforts. It typically involves an unethical or morally questionable act committed with the intention of deceiving or harming others.
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air one's dirty linen in public
The idiom "air one's dirty linen in public" means to openly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or secrets in a public or inappropriate setting. It refers to airing personal or internal disputes or issues in front of others, rather than addressing them privately or within the appropriate context.
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wash dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash dirty linen in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal embarrassing or private matters, especially those that should be kept confidential or dealt with privately. It is often used to suggest that someone is being indiscreet or airing their personal issues or conflicts in a public setting, instead of handling them privately.
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a dirty trick
The idiom "a dirty trick" refers to a deceitful or underhanded action intended to harm or deceive someone. It often involves cheating, betraying, or manipulating others without their knowledge or consent.
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wash dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash dirty laundry in public" means to publicly discuss or disclose private or embarrassing matters that should remain private. It refers to airing personal or confidential issues in a public setting, typically involving discussions, arguments, or revelations that should be dealt with privately.
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air dirty linen in public
The idiom "air dirty linen in public" means to publicly reveal or discuss private or embarrassing matters or conflicts that should remain confidential or within the appropriate settings.
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dirty crack
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dirty big
Dirty big is an informal or slang term used to describe something that is large, gross, or unsightly. It can refer to a person, object, or situation that is unappealing or unpleasant in some way.
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quench (one's) thirst at any dirty puddle
To satisfy one's desire or need for something, no matter how undesirable or distasteful the source may be.
Similar spelling words for DIRTY
Conjugate verb Dirty
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have dirtied
you
would have dirtied
he/she/it
would have dirtied
we
would have dirtied
they
would have dirtied
I
would have dirty
you
would have dirty
he/she/it
would have dirty
we
would have dirty
they
would have dirty
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been dirtying
you
would have been dirtying
he/she/it
would have been dirtying
we
would have been dirtying
they
would have been dirtying
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would dirty
you
would dirty
he/she/it
would dirty
we
would dirty
they
would dirty
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be dirtying
you
would be dirtying
he/she/it
would be dirtying
we
would be dirtying
they
would be dirtying
FUTURE
I
will dirty
you
will dirty
he/she/it
will dirty
we
will dirty
they
will dirty
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be dirtying
you
will be dirtying
he/she/it
will be dirtying
we
will be dirtying
they
will be dirtying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have dirtied
you
will have dirtied
he/she/it
will have dirtied
we
will have dirtied
they
will have dirtied
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been dirtying
you
will have been dirtying
he/she/it
will have been dirtying
we
will have been dirtying
they
will have been dirtying
IMPERATIVE
you
dirty
we
let´s dirty
to dirty
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was dirtying
you
were dirtying
he/she/it
was dirtying
we
were dirtying
they
were dirtying
PAST PARTICIPLE
dirtied
PAST PERFECT
I
had dirtied
you
had dirtied
he/she/it
had dirtied
we
had dirtied
they
had dirtied
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been dirtying
you
had been dirtying
he/she/it
had been dirtying
we
had been dirtying
they
had been dirtying
PRESENT
I
dirty
you
dirty
he/she/it
dirties
we
dirty
they
dirty
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am dirtying
you
are dirtying
he/she/it
is dirtying
we
are dirtying
they
are dirtying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
dirtying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have dirtied
you
have dirtied
he/she/it
has dirtied
we
have dirtied
they
have dirtied
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been dirtying
you
have been dirtying
he/she/it
has been dirtying
we
have been dirtying
they
have been dirtying
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
dirty
SIMPLE PAST
I
dirtied
you
dirtied
he/she/it
dirtied
we
dirtied
they
dirtied
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