nasty
UK: ˈnɑːsti | US: ˈnæsti
adj. unpleasant, offensive, or morally repugnant
adj. harmful or severe (e.g., a nasty injury)
adj. difficult to deal with or confront
The word "nasty" originated in the late 14th century, derived from the Middle English nasti, meaning "filthy, foul, or unclean." Its exact root is uncertain, but it may be related to the Old French nastre (bad, vile) or the Dutch nestig (dirty). Over time, its meaning expanded to include moral offensiveness and physical severity. The suffix "-y" is a common English adjectival ending, reinforcing the descriptive nature of the word.
The kitchen had a nasty smell after the garbage wasn’t taken out for days.
He suffered a nasty cut while hiking and needed stitches.
She gave him a nasty look after his rude comment.
The weather took a nasty turn, with heavy rain and strong winds.
The politician was known for his nasty remarks during debates.