lousy
UK: ˈlaʊzi | US: ˈlaʊzi
adj. of very poor quality; bad or unpleasant
adj. infested with lice (archaic/literal sense)
adj. (slang) feeling unwell or annoyed
The word "lousy" originated in the 14th century, directly derived from "louse" (the parasitic insect) + the adjectival suffix "-y." Initially, it literally meant "infested with lice," reflecting poor hygiene or living conditions. By the 1600s, it evolved metaphorically to mean "worthless" or "contemptible," as lice were associated with filth and nuisance. Modern slang extended its meaning to general dissatisfaction ("feeling lousy"). The progression mirrors how physical disgust transformed into broader negative connotations.
The hotel room was lousy, with stained sheets and broken furniture.
He felt lousy after eating spoiled food.
"This service is lousy!" she complained to the manager.
The team played a lousy game and lost by ten points.
I skipped work because I was feeling lousy all morning.