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Synonyms

dirty word

American  

noun

  1. a vulgar or taboo word; obscenity.

  2. any word, name, or concept considered reprehensible or unmentionable; anathema.

    “Lose” is a dirty word to this team.

Etymology

Origin of dirty word

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

More than 100 days into Ms. Rodríguez’s new job, freedom is still a dirty word for the government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

"I know there are many who use 'socialist' as a dirty word, something to be ashamed of," the 34-year-old told a packed room in Queens.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Contraction is a dirty word in the journalism industry, which generally believes having more outlets is better for the public interest.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst, recently tweeted that “fact-check” had become a dirty word.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2025

Tradition can be a dirty word, especially around Christmas.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.