dirty crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "dirty" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "dirty crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Refers to something unpleasant, morally wrong, or unclean.
5 Letters
GRIMY: Covered with grime or dirt; dirty in appearance.
NASTY: Unpleasant, offensive, or physically unclean.
6 Letters
FILTHY: Disgustingly dirty; extremely unclean.
SORDID: Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt; also dirty in a moral sense.
7 Letters
OBSCENE: Offensively sexual or morally repugnant; often used for 'dirty' in a suggestive sense.
UNCLEAN: Not clean or pure, often referring to physical dirt or a state of impurity.
More About "dirty crossword clue"
The word "dirty" is a remarkably versatile clue in crosswords, often leading solvers down multiple paths. Its primary meaning relates to a lack of cleanliness, calling to mind synonyms like filthy, grimy, or soiled. However, expert crossword constructors frequently exploit its broader connotations, such as moral impurity (sordid, corrupt), suggestive or vulgar content (obscene, crude), or even underhanded tactics (foul, unfair). This polysemy is what makes "dirty" a challenging yet rewarding clue to solve, demanding careful consideration of context and letter count.
When encountering "dirty," it's crucial to evaluate the tone and potential implications within the puzzle. Is it a straightforward clue seeking a synonym for unwashed, or is it hinting at something more illicit or risqué? The surrounding letters and previously solved intersecting words will provide invaluable context, helping to narrow down the possibilities. Understanding the various shades of "dirty" is key to mastering these types of crossword challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "dirty," many common words have multiple definitions. Always think beyond the most obvious meaning to consider synonyms for less common uses of the word.
- Count the letters carefully: The exact number of letters is your most important guide. Cross-reference your potential answer with the given length before writing it in.
- Use intersecting words: Don't just focus on one clue. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends, often revealing the correct answer for a tricky clue like "dirty" when you have a few letters filled in.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes, the puzzle's theme or other clues in the same row/column might hint at whether "dirty" refers to cleanliness, morality, or something else.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I distinguish between 'dirty' answers like 'FILTHY' and 'OBSCENE'?
The context of the crossword puzzle is key. If the clue implies physical grime or lack of cleanliness, answers like FILTHY, GRIMY, or MUDDY are likely. If the clue leans towards something morally corrupt, improper, or vulgar, then answers such as OBSCENE, NASTY, or LEWD might fit better. Always check surrounding letters and other intersecting words.
What are common synonyms for 'dirty' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'dirty' in crosswords include FOUL, GRIMY, FILTHY, UNCLEAN, MUDDY, SULLIED, TAINTED, SMUTTY, NASTY, and SORDID. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the nuance of the clue.
Why do some crossword clues use 'dirty' to mean something other than cleanliness?
Crossword constructors often use words with multiple meanings to increase difficulty and encourage solvers to think laterally. 'Dirty' can refer to a lack of cleanliness, but also to unfair play (e.g., 'dirty tricks'), morally corrupt behavior ('dirty deeds'), or even suggestive content ('dirty jokes'). Understanding these different interpretations is crucial for solving such clues.