dirty word

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dirty word¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

In Republican election committees on the Hill, “Barrow” had become a dirty word said only in hushed tones.

From The Daily Beast

A new study claims that “spoiler” is no longer a dirty word.

From The Daily Beast

The media has also, in my opinion, played a role in helping make the word “feminist” be perceived by some as a dirty word.

From The Daily Beast

To the authors of The Confidence Code and even Jill Abramson, it seems to be a dirty word.

From The Daily Beast

Then came accusations of centrism—now a dirty word in a party with an energized left flank.

From The Daily Beast

I saw a picture of three children in Bapaume, and it was smeared with filth in the writing of a dirty word.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith said a dirty word and pushed himself away from the screamer unit to glower at an unresisting wall.

From Project Gutenberg

What are we going to call that sweet little old lady, now that mother is a dirty word?

From Project Gutenberg

Alas a dirty word, alas a dirty third alas a dirty third, alas a dirty bird.

From Project Gutenberg