smut
UK: smʌt | US: smʌt
n. 1. a small black mark or stain, especially soot or dirt.
n. 2. obscene or lascivious talk, writing, or imagery.
vt. 1. to stain or blacken with soot or dirt.
The word "smut" traces back to Middle Low German smutt, meaning "dirt" or "soot." It entered English in the late 16th century, initially referring to literal black marks or stains, particularly from coal or soot. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include obscenity or indecency, likely due to the association of dirt with moral impurity. The dual meanings—physical staining and moral tainting—reflect the word's vivid evolution from concrete to abstract usage.
The chimney sweep's hands were covered in smut after a day's work.
The novel was banned for its alleged smut and vulgar language.
A gust of wind blew smut from the factory onto the laundry drying outside.
Critics accused the film of relying on cheap smut to attract viewers.
The old manuscript was barely readable due to centuries of smut and decay.