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dirty

When used as an adjective, "dirty" can describe physical filth, but it is very common to use it metaphorically for things that are morally wrong or sexually suggestive. As a verb, "dirty" is less common than "get dirty" or "make dirty," but it is used when someone actively causes something to become unclean. Be careful with the phrase "dirty look"; this doesn't mean the look itself is physically unclean, but that someone is looking at you with anger or disapproval.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Sarah is hiding in the breakroom to avoid David.
Jessica

Did you see that email? David's playing dirty with the new deadlines.

Jessica
Sarah
Sarah

I'm totally clocked out. Just gonna ignore it until tomorrow.

💡
Jessica uses 'playing dirty' as an idiom meaning David is acting unfairly or dishonestly regarding the project timeline. Sarah responds with 'clocked out', a slang term indicating she has mentally checked out of work due to exhaustion.

Meanings

adjective

Covered or marked with an unclean substance such as mud, dust, or grime.

"He came home with dirty shoes after walking through the park."

adjective

Dishonest, unfair, or morally wrong.

"The politician was accused of using dirty tricks to win the election."

adjective

Offensive, obscene, or sexually explicit.

"He was reprimanded for telling a dirty joke during the meeting."

verb (transitive)
[someone dirty something]

To make something unclean or soiled.

"Be careful not to dirty your new dress while eating."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error