dirty word

noun

: a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference

Synonyms of dirty word

• curse
• swear
• language

Examples of dirty word in a Sentence

The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.

They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.

The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.

Recent Examples on the Web

Escrow has been a dirty word for NHL players and agents for years, as player salaries were docked to make NHL accounting work under terms of the CBA. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026

The Jewish people’s movement for self-determination in their biblical homeland — called Zionism — has become a dirty word on college campuses and in liberal political parties, and increasingly in some conservative ones. — Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 16 June 2026

Nuclear was once a dirty word, but its rehabilitation has proceeded much faster than expected. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2026

Teaching his students that excellence and expectations are not dirty words and giving students healthy ways to pursue their competitive spirit spoke to Natalie Sintek, who as an Eagan High School student won state championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004. — Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dirty word

• afterword
• firebird
• hummingbird
• ladybird
• mockingbird
• overheard
• thunderbird
• undergird
• undeterred
• absurd
• averred
• bluebird