dirty word

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only after the Cold War ended did a neoconservative foreign policy consensus come to dominate the American right—and diplomacy became a dirty word for Republicans. Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024 Ultimately, Newcastle have decided the time is right to move on from the power couple who made all of this possible, who always believed and never gave up, who persuaded fans that ambition and yearning were not dirty words. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 10 July 2024 Now, changing customer attitudes, regulatory action, and improvements by larger financial players have made tipping and junk fees dirty words. Jennifer Tescher, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Now, free trade is a dirty word for Democrats and Republicans alike. Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Mar. 2021 See all Example Sentences for dirty word 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirty word was circa 1774

Dictionary Entries Near dirty word

Cite this Entry

“Dirty word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20word. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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