dirty
UK: ˈdɜːti | US: ˈdɜːrti
adj. covered or marked with dirt; unclean
adj. dishonest or unethical
vt. to make something unclean
The word "dirty" originates from Middle English dritty, derived from Old Norse drit (excrement, filth). The root dirt refers to soil or unclean matter, while the suffix -y transforms it into an adjective, describing a state of being soiled or morally tainted. Over time, "dirty" expanded from literal uncleanliness to metaphorical meanings like dishonesty or obscenity.
The children came home with dirty hands after playing in the mud.
He refused to engage in dirty business practices.
She washed the dirty dishes before leaving the kitchen.
The politician was accused of playing dirty tricks during the campaign.
The car’s windows were dirty after the long road trip.