Muck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง๏ธ
muck
[mสk ]
Definitions
wet dirt or mud
Muck is a term used to describe wet dirt or mud, often found in fields or on farms. It is a combination of soil, water, and organic matter. Muck can be difficult to walk through and can make a mess of clothing or shoes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| muck |
Use when referring to something that is dirty, messy, or nasty, especially in an outdoor or agricultural setting. It often implies something sticky or unpleasant.
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| mud |
Use for soft, sticky matter resulting from the mixing of soil and water. Commonly used after rain or in natural settings.
|
| sludge |
Use for thick, soft, wet mud or a similar viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, especially when describing something industrial or polluted. Often has a negative connotation.
|
| dirt |
Use for general references to soil or any unclean substance on surfaces. It is a broad term without the unpleasant, sticky connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The farmer's boots were covered in muck after working in the fields all day.
- He slipped and fell into a pile of muck while trying to cross the muddy path.
to make a mess of something
To muck something up is to make a mess of it or to ruin it. It can refer to physical messes, such as spilling something or breaking something, or to more abstract messes, like causing confusion or chaos.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| muck |
Usually describes making something dirty or causing a minor mishap. Often used in more informal or casual settings.
|
| mess up |
A general term for making a mistake or causing a problem. Suitable for informal and everyday conversations.
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| botch |
Implies doing a task poorly, often in a way that is very noticeable and hard to fix. This word is slightly more negative.
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| ruin |
Indicates causing significant or irreversible damage. Used in serious contexts where the consequences are severe.
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Examples of usage
- She mucked up the recipe by adding too much salt.
- Don't muck up this opportunity with careless mistakes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Agriculture
- Muck is often used in farming as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, helping crops to grow better.
- In some regions, muck refers specifically to a type of soil rich in organic material, crucial for successful gardening.
Slang and Usage
- In informal terms, 'muck' can be used to describe anything considered worthless or rubbish.
- The expression 'muck around' means to waste time or be silly, showing the wordโs flexible use in language.
Cultural References
- In literature, muck often symbolizes chaos or disorder, as seen in various stories featuring farm life.
- In folklore, muck has been portrayed in tales involving humorous situations with animals getting into messy trouble.
Origin of 'muck'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'mokke,' which meant 'muck, filth, or dung.'
- It has roots in Old Norse 'muki,' referring to muck or mud, highlighting a shared history with other Nordic languages.
The word 'muck' has its origins in Old English, where it was used to refer to manure or dirt. Over time, it has evolved to encompass wet dirt or mud. The term has been used for centuries to describe the messy mixture of soil, water, and organic matter found in fields and on farms.
See also: mucky.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,618, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 16615 cadre
- 16616 weevil
- 16617 aggravating
- 16618 muck
- 16619 wail
- 16620 connotation
- 16621 oiled
- ...