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Synonyms

scuzzy

American  
[skuhz-ee] / ˈskʌz i /

adjective

Slang.
scuzzier, scuzziest

  1. dirty, grimy, sordid, or repulsive; disgusting.

scuzzy British  
/ ˈskʌzɪ /

adjective

  1. slang unkempt, dirty, or squalid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scuzzy

First recorded in 1965–70; expressive coinage; compare similar phonetic components of scum, fuzzy, lousy, sleazy

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.

It’s natural to view the temporary mixing of Willard R. Abbott’s earnest teachers with the scuzzy simpletons who barely run the worst bar in America as, um, entirely unnatural.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2025

The Birthday Party favored a rancorous spirit, writing scuzzy songs and descending into mayhem at every turn.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2023

Abel Tesfaye, played a scuzzy svengali to Rose-Depp’s pop star.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2023

Earlier this week, former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker called the reported cash payments "grubby and scuzzy".

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2022

I know they’re just for decoration, but they make me feel safe from all the scheming, scuzzy fire-starters.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

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.