dirty word

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dirty word

A child accidentally says a dirty word and covers their mouth in surprise.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A word considered taboo or unmentionable: A term that is socially, culturally, or personally avoided or considered inappropriate to say in polite conversation.
    • An offensive or indecent word or phrase: A term that is vulgar, obscene, or profane.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • In that company, "budget cuts" is a dirty word. (Here, "dirty word" means a topic considered taboo or unacceptable to mention.)
    • The teacher asked the students not to use any dirty words in their essays. (Here, "dirty word" refers to an offensive or indecent term.)
    • For the dedicated environmentalist, "compromise" can be a dirty word. (This shows a concept or idea that is personally or ideologically rejected.)
Advanced Usage
  • Conceptual Taboo: "Dirty word" is often used metaphorically to describe not just a single term, but any concept, idea, or policy that is strongly disapproved of or considered unacceptable in a particular context.
    • In this household, laziness is a dirty word.
  • Euphemistic Context: The phrase itself can be a euphemism when referring to actual swear words or profanity, especially in mixed company.
    • He muttered a few dirty words under his breath after stubbing his toe.
Variants and Related Words
  • Profanity (n): Blasphemous or obscene language.
  • Obscenity (n): An extremely offensive word or expression; indecency.
  • Taboo (n/adj): A social or cultural prohibition; forbidden.
  • Expletive (n): An oath or swear word, often one that is exclaimed.
  • Curse word (n): A word used in cursing; a profane or obscene word.
  • Four-letter word (n): A short word (often with four letters) considered vulgar or obscene (e.g., a swear word).
Synonyms
  • Swear word
  • Vulgarism
  • Expletive
  • Profanity
Related Phrases
  • A dirty look: A look expressing disapproval, anger, or disgust, often given in response to hearing or thinking of something considered a "dirty word" or inappropriate.
    • She gave him a dirty look when he used that language.
  • Dirty laundry: Personal secrets or private matters that are embarrassing if made public. This idiom shares the metaphorical use of "dirty" to mean "shameful" or "unacceptable to discuss."
    • They didn't want to air their dirty laundry in public.
Related Idioms
  • To wash one's mouth out with soap: A humorous or scolding idiom suggesting someone has used dirty words and needs to be cleansed.
    • If you keep using those dirty words, I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
  • Not in my vocabulary: An idiom used to strongly reject an idea or concept, similar to calling it a "dirty word."
    • "Defeat" is not in my vocabulary.
dirty word

A child accidentally says a dirty word and covers their mouth in surprise.

Noun
  1. a word that is considered to be unmentionable
    • `failure' is a dirty word to him
  2. an offensive or indecent word or phrase

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