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

But beyond George Carlin’s seven dirty words, I can think of at least a dozen other words—mostly adolescent playground insults—that we’re all forced to think twice before saying.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I feel like the thing that’s most chilling is the way the word ‘climate’ has become a dirty word.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mr Mooser says that while AI may still be a dirty word, their product is "clean" because it pays for its content.

Read more on BBC

It all helped make democracy a dirty word.

Read more on BBC