dirty word
Americannoun
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a vulgar or taboo word; obscenity.
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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
AI may be a dirty word in Hollywood, but Mr Mooser says their version of the technology is "clean."
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025
She looks up at me, like I’ve asked her to define a dirty word.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
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.
