Grimy: meaning, definitions and examples

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grimy

[ˈɡraɪmi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

dirty

Covered with dirt or soot; dirty and grimy. The grimy windows of the factory had not been cleaned in years.

Synonyms

dirty, filthy, grubby, smudged, sooty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grimy	Ideal for describing something covered with a lot of dirt or grime, often implying neglect. The windows were so grimy that it was hard to see outside. After working in the garden, her hands were grimy.
dirty	A general term for anything that is not clean. It can be used for a wide variety of contexts. Her clothes were dirty after playing outside. The kitchen sink is dirty; it needs to be cleaned.
sooty	Particularly used to describe something covered in or resembling soot, often associated with ash or smoke. The fireplace left the carpet sooty. His hands were sooty after cleaning the chimney.
filthy	Typically used to describe something extremely dirty and often has a stronger negative connotation. The public restroom was so filthy that she decided to leave. The dog rolled in the mud and came back filthy.
grubby	Often used for something that is dirty in a minor, typically less severe way, and can sometimes imply untidiness or discomfort. His grubby hands left marks all over the wall. The kids came back from the park looking rather grubby.
smudged	Best for describing something with light, often unintentional, marks or streaks of dirt. Her glasses were smudged, making it hard to see. There were smudged fingerprints on the mirror.

Examples of usage

The children came home from playing outside, their faces grimy from the dirt.
She wiped her hands on her grimy apron after working in the garden.
The grimy subway station was in desperate need of a thorough cleaning.
The mechanic's hands were grimy from working on the car all day.
The old abandoned house had grimy windows and peeling paint.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'grimy' comes from the Middle English word 'grimy', which means dirty or soiled.
It is derived from the word 'grime', which has roots in Old English 'gram', meaning dirt.
The usage of 'grimy' dates back to at least the 15th century, illustrating how long people have associated it with filth.

Literature

In Charles Dickens' works, grimy settings often reflect societal issues, highlighting the contrast between the wealthy and the poor.
The atmosphere of a grimy city can be a pivotal element in gothic novels, representing decay and despair.
In modern literature, grimy environments are often used to establish an unsettling mood or depict a character's hardships.

Pop Culture

The popular video game series 'Batman: Arkham' often features grimy settings, enhancing the dark, gritty atmosphere of Gotham City.
In movies, the grittiness of urban settings can emphasize the struggles of protagonists as they rise from humble or filthy beginnings.
Songs that mention 'grimy' often highlight themes of hardship or the gritty reality of life, resonating with listeners looking for an authentic connection.

Science

Studies show that exposure to grimy environments can increase the likelihood of respiratory issues due to pollutants and allergens.
Interestingly, certain 'grimy' areas, like some urban environments, can also host significant biodiversity, showing how nature adapts to dirty conditions.
In microbial research, grimy surfaces are examined for pathogenic organisms, which can help understand the spread of diseases.

Psychology

Research indicates that people often associate grimy environments with negative feelings, such as disgust or unease.
The concept of 'grime' can also symbolize emotional clutter in mental health, reflecting a person's struggles with chaos in their life.
Cleanliness is often viewed as a sign of mental well-being, while grimy spaces may be linked to stress or neglect.

Translations

Translations of the word "grimy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sujo

🇮🇳 गंदा

🇩🇪 schmutzig

🇮🇩 kotor

🇺🇦 брудний

🇵🇱 brudny

🇯🇵 汚れた

🇫🇷 sale

🇪🇸 sucio

🇹🇷 kirli

🇰🇷 더러운

🇸🇦 قذر

🇨🇿 špinavý

🇸🇰 špinavý

🇨🇳 肮脏的

🇸🇮 umazan

🇮🇸 skítugur

🇰🇿 лас

🇬🇪 ჭუჭყიანი

🇦🇿 çirkli

🇲🇽 sucio

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,915, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22912 unknowable
22913 maniac
22914 flexing
22915 grimy
22916 clammy
22917 dilatory
22918 swoop
...