What does grunge mean?
Grunge most commonly refers to the music, fashion, and attitude associated with the Seattle scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its characteristic sound was rough, heavy, and deliberately unpolished, while its image featured casual clothing, indifference to conventional polish, and a rebellious attitude. The word can also mean dirt, filth, or unpleasant refuse, especially in older or literary usage, but that sense is now much less prominent. Grunge differs from related terms such as punk and alternative music in its strong connection with a particular period, place, and group of bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Today, the term is often used more broadly for anything intentionally rough, scruffy, or anti-polished. It remains an evocative example of how a word originating in a subculture can become part of everyday cultural vocabulary.
The music, fashion, and cultural style associated with the early-1990s Seattle scene, especially its raw rock music and deliberately casual appearance.
"The band's early records were central to the development of grunge."
Usually used as a mass noun. A plural is possible in the literal sense but is uncommon.
Filth, dirt, or offensive waste; figuratively, moral or social degradation.
"Rain washed the grunge from the steps."
This older sense is relatively uncommon and may sound literary or dated.
Characteristic of grunge culture, especially its rough sound, rebellious image, or deliberately casual style.
"The band abandoned its polished sound in favor of a grunge aesthetic."
Common when describing music, fashion, and visual style; it can also be used more generally for a deliberately rough or unkempt appearance.
Rare; grunge is normally an uncountable mass noun in its cultural sense.
"The collection focused on grunges from the band's early 1990s period."
Before grunge became a fashion label, it described the rough, rebellious sound that helped put Seattle on the map.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grunge come from?
The exact origin of grunge is uncertain. It has sometimes been connected with English grub or scunge, but neither explanation is universally accepted, and no group of secure cognates can confidently be identified. The word became prominent through the Seattle music and fashion culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Related word forms
How grunge is actually used
The cultural sense is the dominant modern use and is often informal or descriptive rather than neutral. The older literal sense for filth is uncommon in everyday speech and may sound dated or literary.
Easily confused with grunge
A grunt is a deep, guttural sound made by the throat, whereas grunge usually names a cultural style or, in its literal sense, filth.