squeaky-clean

[skwee-kee-kleen]

adjective

Informal.

1. scrupulously clean.

2. virtuous, wholesome, and above reproach.

   a squeaky-clean reputation.

squeaky-clean

adjective

1. (of hair) washed so clean that wet strands squeak when rubbed

2. completely clean

3. informal,  (of a person) cultivating a virtuous and wholesome image

Example Sentences

Indeed, the Maddens found a certain frisson from the get-go in writing about their rough-and-tumble upbringing with a squeaky-clean pop flair.

From Los Angeles Times

John does discuss his history with drug abuse and his coming out story in the doc, but both of those matters are largely sanitized, seemingly to avoid anything that might not fit with the House of Mouse’s squeaky-clean image.

From Salon

One candidate has been convicted of multiple felonies and found liable for sexual assault by a civil jury — and those things are perceived as political advantages against a squeaky-clean former prosecutor whose Black-Indian-Jewish blended family appears to have been carefully cast for a car-insurance commercial.

From Salon

The spoof opens with the squeaky-clean Manning playing touch football with the group, encouraging everyone in the huddle to practice teamwork and have fun.

From Los Angeles Times

Garvey cultivated a squeaky-clean, all-American image as a player, and has campaigned as a “role model” and “devoted family man.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clean 
• immaculate 
• sparkling 
• spick-and-span 
• spotless 

When To Use

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.