grubby

This term carries a distinct sense of tactile grime, often suggesting a surface that has been smeared or handled by many hands. It is less severe than "filthy" and more specific than "dirty," typically evoking images of smudges, fingerprints, or a general lack of cleanliness on skin or clothing.

When used to describe a person's character or actions, the word shifts into a moral register. In this context, it describes a type of sleaziness that feels small-minded or opportunistic. It suggests a lack of integrity that is "dirty" in a social or ethical sense, often associated with underhanded financial gains or petty corruption.