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View synonyms for squeaky-clean
squeaky-clean
[skwee-kee-kleen]
adjective
Informal.
scrupulously clean.
virtuous, wholesome, and above reproach.
a squeaky-clean reputation.
squeaky-clean
adjective
(of hair) washed so clean that wet strands squeak when rubbed
completely clean
informal, (of a person) cultivating a virtuous and wholesome image
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What does squeaky-clean mean?
Squeaky-clean means completely clean—as clean as possible.The term comes from the squeaky sound that often happens when you run your finger over a smooth, clean surface, like a countertop of a windowpane, or when you rub a strand of wet hair after it’s been washed.Squeaky-clean is also commonly used in a figurative way to describe someone who is known for having a wholesome and virtuous reputation. It can also be used to describe such a reputation or the actions of such a person.When it’s used in this way, squeaky-clean can be used both positively and negatively. When used positively, it typically indicates that someone is completely honorable and upstanding, as in Unfortunately for his enemies, the mayor is squeaky-clean—they’ll never be able to dig up any dirt on him. However, it often implies that a person’s reputation or public image is fake, artificial, or has been constructed to hide what they’re really like. It can also be used to imply that such virtuousness is excessive or irritating, as in I can’t understand why kids enjoy these squeaky-clean boy bands—what happened to teenage rebellion and rock-’n’-roll?Both senses of squeaky-clean are used informally.Example: The floors in my mother-in-law’s house are always so squeaky-clean that you could eat off of them.
Squeaky-clean means completely clean—as clean as possible.The term comes from the squeaky sound that often happens when you run your finger over a smooth, clean surface, like a countertop of a windowpane, or when you rub a strand of wet hair after it’s been washed.Squeaky-clean is also commonly used in a figurative way to describe someone who is known for having a wholesome and virtuous reputation. It can also be used to describe such a reputation or the actions of such a person.When it’s used in this way, squeaky-clean can be used both positively and negatively. When used positively, it typically indicates that someone is completely honorable and upstanding, as in Unfortunately for his enemies, the mayor is squeaky-clean—they’ll never be able to dig up any dirt on him. However, it often implies that a person’s reputation or public image is fake, artificial, or has been constructed to hide what they’re really like. It can also be used to imply that such virtuousness is excessive or irritating, as in I can’t understand why kids enjoy these squeaky-clean boy bands—what happened to teenage rebellion and rock-’n’-roll?Both senses of squeaky-clean are used informally.Example: The floors in my mother-in-law’s house are always so squeaky-clean that you could eat off of them.
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