dirty word: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral. Often used in journalism and spoken discourse.
Quick answer
What does “dirty word” mean?
A word or phrase considered socially unacceptable, offensive, vulgar, or taboo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word or phrase considered socially unacceptable, offensive, vulgar, or taboo; a swear word.
A subject, concept, or idea that is disapproved of, considered controversial, politically unpopular, or unfashionable to mention in a particular context (e.g., 'profit' is a dirty word in some charities).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use it in both literal and figurative senses.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used figuratively in business/political contexts in AmE.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “dirty word” in a Sentence
'X' is a dirty word in [context/field]to treat 'X' as a dirty wordto consider 'X' a dirty wordVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dirty word” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manifesto effectively dirtied the word 'privatisation' for a generation.
American English
- The scandal dirtied the word 'lobbyist' in Washington.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not standard.
American English
- N/A – not standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'Downsizing' became a dirty word after the mass layoffs.
Academic
Used in sociolinguistics to discuss taboos. Rare in formal writing otherwise.
Everyday
Literal: 'The child got in trouble for using a dirty word.' Figurative: 'Saying you're taking a break is a dirty word in this office.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields unless discussing language itself.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dirty word”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dirty word”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dirty word”
- Using it to mean simply a 'negative' word without the taboo/offensive/unpopular connotation (e.g., 'sad' is not a dirty word).
- Confusing with 'dirty talk' (which is sexually explicit language).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning is a taboo/profane word, it is very commonly used figuratively to describe any concept that is socially or politically unpopular in a given group.
It is acceptable in journalism and semi-formal analytical writing, especially for the figurative sense. It is less common in highly technical or academic prose outside sociolinguistics.
'Swear word' is almost exclusively literal. 'Dirty word' has a wider figurative application. They are often interchangeable for the literal meaning, but 'dirty word' can sound slightly more euphemistic or childish.
Use the pattern: '[Concept] is a dirty word in [context].' Example: 'Originality is a dirty word in the franchise film business.'
A word or phrase considered socially unacceptable, offensive, vulgar, or taboo.
Dirty word: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɜː.ti wɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɝː.t̬i wɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(something) is a dirty word”
- “the dirtiest word in (politics/business)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a word that needs to be washed with soap — it's 'dirty' because society sees it as morally 'unclean'.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS DIRT / UNPOPULAR IDEAS ARE CONTAMINANTS
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dirty word' used figuratively?