Definition

Noun: 1. Tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar: The quality or state of being characterized by low quality, shabbiness, or morally dubious behavior, often associated with a lack of integrity or ethical standards. 2. A person of low moral character: (Informal) An individual who is considered sordid, corrupt, or untrustworthy.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Quality):
  • The documentary exposed the sleaze and corruption within the political system.
  • The hotel's decor was the height of sleaze, with garish colors and cheap furniture.
• Noun (Person):
  • Don't trust him; he's a total sleaze who's only out for himself.

Advanced Usage

• "Sleaze factor": A term used to describe the perceived level of corruption, scandal, or unethical behavior associated with a person, organization, or environment.
  • The constant scandals increased the sleaze factor of the administration, damaging its credibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Sleazy (adj): Having the qualities of sleaze; shabby, immoral, or of low quality.
  • He was involved in some sleazy business deals.
• Sleazebag (n, informal): A contemptible or morally repugnant person.
  • That sleazebag tried to sell me a fake watch.

Synonyms

• Shadiness: Questionable honesty or legality.
• Sordidness: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste.
• Tawdriness: Showy but cheap and of poor quality.
• Seediness: The state of being squalid or run-down, often with a connotation of disreputability.

Related Phrases

• Sleaze merchant: (Informal) A person who promotes or profits from sleazy material or activities.
  • The tabloid editor was known as a sleaze merchant for publishing invasive stories.

Noun

1. tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar