filthy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfɪlθi/
• American: FIL-thee

Origin

From Middle English filthe (dirt, corruption) + -y, derived from Old English fȳlþ meaning foulness or uncleanness.

Meanings

1. Extremely dirty or soiled

   • The abandoned house was filthy with dust and cobwebs.
   • His clothes were filthy after working in the garden all day.

2. Morally corrupt or obscene

   • He made some filthy remarks that offended everyone.
   • The movie was full of filthy language.

3. Disgustingly unpleasant

   • It was a filthy day with rain and strong winds.
   • He had a filthy temper when things didn't go his way.

4. (Informal) Extremely wealthy

   • He made filthy rich from his tech investments.

Related Words

• Forms:

  • Noun: filth
  • Adverb: filthily
  • Adjective: filthy
  • Noun: filthiness

• Synonyms:

  • dirty
  • unclean
  • grimy
  • squalid
  • nasty
  • disgusting
  • foul
  • vile

Memory Tricks

1. Think "FILL + THY" - something that's filled with dirt/grime
2. Remember the phrase "filthy rich" to connect extreme wealth
3. Associate with "feel-thy" - something so dirty you can feel it
4. Think of a pig in mud - naturally filthy but happy about it

Usage Notes

• Often used for emphasis in informal speech
• Can be both literal (physical dirt) and figurative (moral corruption)
• Considered stronger than "dirty" in describing uncleanliness
• Sometimes used playfully in phrases like "filthy rich"