Mucky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mucky

[ˈmʌki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

dirty

Covered in dirt or mud; messy or grimy in appearance.

Synonyms

dirty, grimy, messy, soiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mucky

Used when describing something covered with a wet, sticky substance. Commonly associated with mud or sludge.

  • The dog came back from the garden all mucky
  • His shoes were mucky after the hike
dirty

A general term for something that is not clean, can be used in various contexts including moral or physical cleanliness.

  • The kitchen floor is dirty and needs to be cleaned
  • He had a dirty reputation around the office
grimy

Often used to describe something that is very dirty, usually with a layer of ingrained dirt or grime that is hard to clean.

  • The windows in the old house were grimy from years of neglect
  • His hands were grimy after working on the car engine
messy

Refers to a state of disorder or untidiness. Not necessarily dirty but cluttered or disorganized.

  • His room is always messy with clothes and papers everywhere
  • After the party, the living room was a messy sight
soiled

Implies that something has been stained or contaminated by an external substance. Usually refers to fabric, clothes, or surfaces.

  • Her dress got soiled when she spilled coffee on it
  • The baby's diaper needs to be changed because it is soiled

Examples of usage

  • The children came back from playing outside looking mucky.
  • Her hands were mucky after working in the garden.
Context #2 | Adjective

disgusting

Unpleasant or repulsive; morally corrupt or unethical.

Synonyms

disgusting, immoral, repulsive, unethical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mucky

Used to describe something that is dirty or covered with mud, grime, or dirt. Often suitable for casual conversations.

  • The kids came back from the park all mucky.
  • His shoes were mucky after walking through the wet field.
disgusting

Used to express strong aversion or disapproval due to something being very unpleasant or offensive.

  • The food at that restaurant was disgusting.
  • I found the state of the public restroom absolutely disgusting.
repulsive

Used to describe something that causes intense dislike or disgust, often at a higher degree than 'disgusting'.

  • The smell coming from the garbage dump was repulsive.
  • His repulsive behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
unethical

Used to describe actions or behaviors that do not conform to accepted professional or social norms. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Using insider information for trading is unethical.
  • His decision to misrepresent the data was deemed unethical.
immoral

Used to describe actions or behaviors that go against moral principles or accepted standards of right and wrong. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Cheating on exams is immoral.
  • His decision to exploit vulnerable people was considered immoral.

Examples of usage

  • She found the mucky behavior of her colleagues unacceptable.
  • I can't believe he said such mucky things about her.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, mucky environments are often rich in nutrients and support diverse life forms, although they can be unpleasant.
  • Mucky conditions in water bodies can indicate high levels of organic matter, which can affect fish and other aquatic life.

Cultural References

  • In children's literature, mucky settings are frequently depicted during adventurous scenes, allowing readers to engage with the idea of exploration despite messiness.
  • The phrase 'mucky pup' is often used in stories or songs to describe playful children who get dirty while having fun.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that environments perceived as mucky or cluttered can affect mood and productivity, showing the psychological impact of cleanliness.
  • Being in a mucky area can also foster a sense of adventure and playfulness, particularly in children who connect mess with fun.

Folklore

  • Folklore from different cultures often depicts characters encountering mucky situations as a test of character, reinforcing themes of resilience.
  • Traditional stories may include mucky settings as obstacles through which heroes must navigate, symbolizing challenges in life.

Origin of 'mucky'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mucky' is derived from the word 'muck,' which itself comes from Old English 'mycce,' meaning dung or manure.
  • It began to gain popularity in the English language around the late 19th century to describe dirty or muddy conditions.

The word 'mucky' originated in the 17th century and is derived from the Middle English word 'muk', meaning dirt or filth. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both physical and moral connotations of being dirty or repulsive. It has since been used to describe anything from muddy conditions to unethical behavior.


See also: muck.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,208 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.