Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dingy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚣
Add to dictionary

dingy

[ˈdɪn.dʒi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

dirty or discolored

Dirty and discolored, typically as a result of neglect or lack of cleanliness.

Synonyms

dirty, grimy, soiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dingy

Use 'dingy' when describing something that is not very clean or bright, often because it has not been well-maintained. It implies a sense of neglect or age.

  • The apartment was small and dingy, with peeling wallpaper and stained carpets.
  • The once vibrant streets had turned into dingy, forgotten alleyways.
dirty

Use 'dirty' for general situations where something is unclean. It is a broad term that can apply to various items, surfaces, or environments.

  • The children came back from the playground with dirty clothes.
  • Can you clean the dirty dishes in the sink?
grimy

Use 'grimy' when describing something covered with or resembling grime, a dense layer of dirt or filth. It often implies a thicker, more accumulated type of dirt.

  • The car windows were so grimy that it was hard to see out of them.
  • After a day of working in the garden, her hands were grimy with soil.
soiled

Use 'soiled' when something has been stained or dirtied, especially fabrics or clothing. This word often carries a formal tone.

  • The tablecloth was soiled with wine and food stains after the party.
  • He changed his soiled shirt before the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The dingy old curtains needed to be washed.
  • The walls of the room were dingy and covered in grime.
Context #2 | Noun

small boat

A small open boat, often unseaworthy.

Synonyms

dory, rowboat, skiff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rowboat

A small boat that is propelled by rowing with oars. It is commonly used for leisure rowing on lakes and calm rivers.

  • They rented a rowboat for a peaceful afternoon on the lake.
  • She enjoyed rowing the rowboat early in the morning, when the water was still.
skiff

A small, lightweight boat, often used for various purposes such as fishing, transportation, or leisure. It can be powered by oars, sails, or a motor.

  • He set out in his skiff, hoping to catch some fish for dinner.
  • The skiff glided smoothly over the calm waters of the bay.
dory

A small, shallow-draft boat, traditionally used for fishing, especially in shallow waters or near the shore.

  • The fishermen used a dory to catch fish close to the coast.
  • He skillfully maneuvered the dory through the rocky waters.

Examples of usage

  • We rowed the dingy out to the larger boat anchored offshore.
  • The fisherman used a dingy to reach his fishing spot.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, settings described as 'dingy' often evoke feelings of neglect or despair, providing a stark contrast to brighter, more hopeful settings.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens frequently portrayed 'dingy' environments to highlight social issues, particularly in Victorian England.

Psychology

  • Environments described as 'dingy' can affect mood and behavior, often leading to feelings of sadness or lethargy.
  • Studies show that living or working in a 'dingy' space can impact overall well-being and productivity negatively.

Pop Culture

  • Films often utilize 'dingy' settings to create suspense or discomfort, such as in horror movies where dimly lit places enhance fear.
  • The term 'dingy' also appears in music, symbolizing an unglamorous lifestyle, popularized in songs about urban decay.

Architecture

  • 'Dingy' spaces are often characterized by poor lighting, peeling paint, and clutter, which can be remediated through redesign and renovation.
  • Certain design principles advocate for the opposite of 'dingy' by emphasizing natural light and open space to foster positivity.

Origin of 'dingy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dingy' originates from the early 17th century, believed to be derived from the dialectal term 'dingy' meaning 'dirty'.
  • It was used to describe dim or dark colors, which evolved to reflect not just color but cleanliness as well.
  • The influence may also come from the verb 'dinge', which means to make dirty or to tarnish.

The word 'dingy' originated in the mid-18th century, derived from the Scottish word 'ding', meaning to strike or beat. Over time, it came to be associated with something dirty or discolored, likely due to the idea of something being 'beaten down' or 'worn out'. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to describe neglected or dirty objects, as well as small boats, adding a touch of colloquial charm to descriptions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,016, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.