Top 39 Slang For Grimy – Meaning & Usage

Grimy situations are all too common in our daily lives, but how do we accurately describe them in the latest slang terms? From shady dealings to sketchy encounters, our team has curated a list of the most up-to-date and hip phrases to help you navigate the world of the grimy. Get ready to level up your slang game and stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive guide.

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1. Gritty

This term is used to describe something that is covered in dirt or grime. It can also be used to describe something that is rough or unpolished.

For example, “After playing in the mud, the kids were covered in gritty dirt.”
A person might say, “I love the gritty feel of this old photograph.”
In a discussion about urban decay, someone might describe a run-down building as “gritty and abandoned.”

2. Filthy

When something is described as filthy, it means that it is covered in dirt, grime, or other unpleasant substances. It can also be used to describe something morally or socially unacceptable.

For instance, “The kitchen was filthy with unwashed dishes.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe you’re wearing those filthy shoes.”
In a conversation about a scandalous situation, someone might comment, “That’s a filthy way to treat people.”

3. Grungy

This term is used to describe something that is both dirty and has a worn-out or shabby appearance. It is often associated with a specific style or aesthetic.

For example, “The grungy basement was filled with old furniture and cobwebs.”
A person might say, “I love the grungy look of this vintage t-shirt.”
In a discussion about alternative music, someone might describe a band’s sound as “grungy and raw.”

4. Sleazy

When something or someone is described as sleazy, it means that they are untrustworthy, dishonest, or have low moral standards. It can also be used to describe something that is cheap or of poor quality.

For instance, “The sleazy salesman tried to cheat me out of my money.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to go to that sleazy bar, it’s full of trouble.”
In a conversation about a scandal, someone might comment, “That politician’s behavior was sleazy and unethical.”

5. Scuzzy

This term is used to describe something that is dirty, unkempt, or generally unpleasant in appearance or condition. It can also be used to describe someone who is disreputable or untrustworthy.

For example, “The scuzzy motel had stained carpets and flickering lights.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to touch that scuzzy toilet, it’s disgusting.”
In a discussion about a shady character, someone might describe them as “scuzzy and suspicious.”

6. Gunky

This term is used to describe something that is covered in a thick, sticky substance that is often unpleasant or unclean.

For example, “The drain was clogged with gunky residue.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to touch that gunky mess.”
Another might describe a dirty kitchen as “gunky and gross.”

7. Sludgy

This term is used to describe something that is thick, dirty, and has a consistency similar to sludge.

For instance, “The oil in the engine was sludgy and needed to be changed.”
A person might say, “I hate walking through sludgy mud.”
Another might describe a polluted river as “thick and sludgy.”

8. Crusty

This term is used to describe something that is dirty and covered in a hard, dry layer, often making it difficult to clean.

For example, “The old dishes were crusty with dried food.”
A person might say, “I need to scrub off the crusty dirt from my shoes.”
Another might describe a neglected bathtub as “crusty and in need of a good scrub.”

9. Dingy

This term is used to describe something that is dirty, gloomy, and lacks brightness or cleanliness.

For instance, “The basement was dingy and filled with dust.”
A person might say, “The old motel room was dingy and smelled musty.”
Another might describe a poorly lit alley as “dark and dingy.”

10. Grotty

This term is used to describe something that is dirty and unpleasant, often in a way that makes people feel uncomfortable or disgusted.

For example, “The public restroom was grotty and in desperate need of cleaning.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to touch anything in this grotty room.”
Another might describe a neglected swimming pool as “grotty and full of algae.”

11. Ratty

This term is used to describe something that is in poor condition or unclean. It can refer to both physical objects and people.

For example, “He lives in a ratty old apartment with peeling wallpaper.”
Someone might say, “I found a ratty old shirt in the back of my closet.”
A person describing a rundown neighborhood might say, “The streets were filled with ratty buildings and trash.”

12. Mucky

This slang term is used to describe something that is covered in dirt or grime. It can also refer to something that is messy or disorganized.

For instance, “After playing in the mud, the kids were mucky from head to toe.”
A person might say, “I need to clean my car, it’s gotten really mucky.”
Someone describing a messy room might say, “There are clothes and papers everywhere, it’s so mucky in here.”

13. Squalid

This word is used to describe something that is extremely dirty, unsanitary, or in a state of extreme neglect. It often refers to living conditions or environments.

For example, “The abandoned building was in a squalid state, with trash and debris everywhere.”
A person might say, “The homeless encampment was squalid, with no access to clean water or sanitation.”
Someone describing a run-down motel might say, “The room was squalid, with stained carpets and a strong smell of mildew.”

14. Seedy

This term is used to describe something or someone that is run-down, disreputable, or associated with illegal or immoral activities.

For instance, “The seedy motel was known for its illegal activities and unsavory guests.”
A person might say, “I don’t feel safe walking through the seedy part of town.”
Someone describing a bar might say, “It’s a seedy place with dim lighting and a rough crowd.”

15. Grubby

This slang term is used to describe something that is dirty, grimy, or covered in dirt or stains.

For example, “After working in the garden, her hands were grubby with soil.”
A person might say, “I need to wash this grubby shirt, it’s covered in food stains.”
Someone describing a dirty kitchen might say, “The dishes were piled up and the countertops were grubby.”

16. Foul

This term is used to describe something that is dirty, unpleasant, or morally offensive. It can refer to a physical object, an action, or a person’s behavior.

For example, “The smell coming from the dumpster was foul.”
Someone might say, “That was a foul move in the game.”
When describing someone’s behavior, a person might say, “He has a foul mouth and always says inappropriate things.”

17. Nasty

This slang term is used to describe something that is dirty, unappealing, or unpleasant. It can refer to a physical object, a situation, or a person’s behavior.

For instance, “The bathroom was really nasty and needed to be cleaned.”
A person might say, “That was a nasty fall.”
When describing someone’s behavior, a person might say, “She made a nasty comment and hurt his feelings.”

18. Slummy

This term is used to describe a place or area that is dirty, dilapidated, or in poor condition. It often refers to low-income neighborhoods or areas that lack proper maintenance.

For example, “The old abandoned building looked slummy.”
Someone might say, “I wouldn’t want to live in that slummy part of town.”
When describing the condition of a house, a person might say, “The apartment was slummy and in need of repairs.”

19. Slimy

This slang term is used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, deceitful, or manipulative. It can also refer to something that feels slippery or greasy to the touch.

For instance, “He’s a slimy salesman who will do anything to make a sale.”
A person might say, “I don’t trust him, he seems really slimy.”
When describing a situation, someone might say, “The whole deal felt slimy and dishonest.”

20. Rank

This term is used to describe something that has a strong and unpleasant odor. It can refer to a physical object, a smell, or a person’s behavior.

For example, “The garbage can had a rank smell.”
Someone might say, “That’s a rank pair of socks.”
When describing someone’s behavior, a person might say, “He made a rank comment and offended everyone.”

21. Raunchy

This term is used to describe something that is sexually explicit or morally offensive. It can also refer to something that is messy or unclean.

For example, “The movie had a lot of raunchy jokes that made me uncomfortable.”
A person might say, “I went to a raunchy party last night and it was wild.”
Another might comment, “The bathroom at this restaurant is so raunchy, I don’t want to touch anything.”

22. Swampy

This slang term is used to describe something that is wet, muddy, or soaked. It can also refer to a place that is humid or has a lot of stagnant water.

For instance, “After the rainstorm, the backyard was swampy and muddy.”
A person might complain, “My shoes got all swampy after walking through the marsh.”
Another might say, “The air in this room is so swampy, I can’t breathe.”

23. Gnarly

This word is used to describe something that is dirty, grimy, or repulsive. It can also be used to describe something that is difficult, dangerous, or extreme in a positive way.

For example, “The bathroom was gnarly and I didn’t want to touch anything.”
A person might say, “I had a gnarly fall while skateboarding and scraped my knee.”
Another might comment, “That roller coaster was gnarly! It had so many twists and turns.”

24. Slept in

This phrase is used to describe something that appears messy, unkempt, or disheveled. It can also refer to someone who looks like they just woke up or haven’t taken care of their appearance.

For instance, “Her hair was all slept in and she had pillow marks on her face.”
A person might comment, “My room is so slept in right now, I need to clean up.”
Another might say, “I didn’t have time to do my makeup this morning, so I went for a slept in look.”

25. Skanky

This term is used to describe something or someone that is unclean, sleazy, or morally questionable. It can also refer to something that is of poor quality or in bad condition.

For example, “The public restroom was so skanky, I didn’t want to touch anything.”
A person might say, “She’s wearing a skanky outfit that leaves little to the imagination.”
Another might comment, “I bought a skanky used car that broke down after a week.”

26. Sordid

This word is used to describe something that is morally distasteful or involving immoral or dishonorable actions. It can also refer to something that is dirty or squalid in appearance.

For example, “The sordid details of the scandal were revealed in the newspaper.”
In a discussion about a crime, someone might say, “The suspect has a sordid past with multiple offenses.”
A person describing a rundown neighborhood might say, “The streets were lined with sordid buildings and trash.”

27. Stained

To be stained means to have a mark or discoloration caused by a substance or dirt. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is morally tainted or compromised.

For instance, “The white shirt was stained with red wine.”
Someone might say, “His reputation is permanently stained after the scandal.”
A person describing a dirty carpet might say, “The once pristine carpet is now stained with various spills.”

28. Tainted

This word is used to describe something that is contaminated or spoiled, either physically or morally. It can also imply that something is no longer pure or trustworthy.

For example, “The food was tainted with bacteria, causing an outbreak of illness.”
In a discussion about a corrupt politician, someone might say, “His reputation is forever tainted by the scandal.”
A person describing a polluted river might say, “The water is tainted with chemicals and cannot be consumed.”

29. Unkempt

To be unkempt means to have a disheveled or untidy appearance. It can refer to a person’s physical appearance or to the state of something that is disordered or neglected.

For instance, “Her hair was unkempt, with strands sticking out in all directions.”
Someone might say, “The abandoned house had an unkempt yard with overgrown weeds.”
A person describing a messy room might say, “The clothes were strewn about and the bed was unkempt.”

30. Vile

Vile is used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or morally repulsive. It can also refer to a person’s behavior or character that is considered despicable or wicked.

For example, “The smell coming from the dumpster was vile.”
In a discussion about a cruel act, someone might say, “That was a vile thing to do.”
A person describing a heinous crime might say, “The details of the crime are too vile to mention.”

31. Worn-out

This term is used to describe something that is no longer in good condition or has become shabby or dilapidated.

For example, “I need to buy new shoes, these ones are worn-out.”
Someone might say, “My car is so worn-out, it keeps breaking down.”
A person might complain, “This mattress is worn-out, it’s giving me back pain.”

32. Yucky

This word is used to describe something that is distasteful, unappetizing, or generally unpleasant.

For instance, “I don’t want to eat that, it looks yucky.”
A person might say, “The food at that restaurant was so yucky, I couldn’t finish my meal.”
Someone might comment, “I stepped in something yucky on the street, it was gross.”

33. Crummy

This term is used to describe something that is of low quality, poorly made, or generally unpleasant.

For example, “I stayed in a crummy hotel, the room was dirty and the service was terrible.”
A person might say, “I bought this crummy phone and it keeps freezing.”
Someone might complain, “I feel crummy today, I think I’m coming down with a cold.”

34. Musty

This word is used to describe something that has a stale, damp, or moldy smell.

For instance, “I opened the old book and it smelled musty.”
A person might say, “The basement has a musty odor, we need to clean it.”
Someone might comment, “I thrifted this jacket, but it’s a bit musty, I’ll have to wash it.”

35. Slimey

This term is used to describe something that is slimy or covered in a sticky, slippery substance.

For example, “I touched a slug and it was so slimey.”
A person might say, “Don’t touch that, it’s covered in slime and it’s slimey.”
Someone might comment, “The floor is wet and slimey, be careful not to slip.”

36. Slushy

This term is used to describe something that is wet, dirty, or messy in an unpleasant way.

For example, “The sidewalk was slushy after the snowstorm.”
A person might say, “I stepped in a slushy puddle and got my shoes all dirty.”
Another might comment, “The slushy mud made it difficult to walk.”

37. Slatternly

This term is used to describe a person or their appearance as being untidy, messy, or unkempt.

For instance, “She always looks slatternly with her wrinkled clothes.”
A person might say, “His slatternly appearance made it clear he didn’t care about his appearance.”
Another might comment, “The slatternly state of her room was a reflection of her chaotic life.”

38. Shabby

This term is used to describe something that is in poor condition, worn-out, or in a state of disrepair.

For example, “The old house had a shabby exterior.”
A person might say, “Her shabby clothes made her stand out in the crowd.”
Another might comment, “The shabby furniture gave the room a vintage charm.”

39. Sleazeball

This term is used to describe a person who is considered to be disreputable, untrustworthy, or of low character.

For instance, “He’s such a sleazeball, always trying to scam people.”
A person might say, “I wouldn’t trust that sleazeball with my money.”
Another might comment, “The sleazeball politician was involved in numerous scandals.”