What does slummy mean?
Slummy is an informal adjective meaning shabby, dingy, or run-down. It often implies that a place appears neglected, poorly maintained, or associated with poverty and poor housing. The word is commonly used for hotels, bars, restaurants, houses, and urban districts, as in “a slummy hotel” or “the slummy part of town.” It can also describe an object or appearance that looks worn and disreputable. Because “slummy” frequently evokes neglected housing or deprived neighborhoods, it can carry a stronger social and derogatory connotation than the milder word “shabby.” Nevertheless, it remains a vivid and useful term for quickly conveying visible neglect, poor condition, or an unprepossessing atmosphere.
adjectiveShabby, dingy, or run-down, especially in a way associated with poor housing or neglected urban conditions.
- Shabby, dingy, or run-down, especially in a way associated with poor housing or deprived urban areas.
"The hotel was cheap and slummy, but conveniently close to the station."
"They spent the evening in a slummy bar at the edge of town."
"The building looked slummy, though the flats inside were newly renovated."
Slummy turns a social setting into an instant visual cue: think peeling paint, dim lighting, and conspicuous neglect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slummy come from?
The adjective was formed in the late nineteenth century from “slum” plus the suffix “-y.” “Slum,” which first appeared in the nineteenth century, is used for an area of severe poverty and poor-quality housing. As “slummy” developed, its meaning extended from places associated with slums to any building or appearance that looked shabby, dingy, or run-down.
How slummy is actually used
This is an informal and generally disparaging word. It is especially common in British English but is also used in American English; it can describe a building, district, establishment, or appearance.
Easily confused with slummy
A slum is an area characterized by severe poverty and poor housing, whereas slummy describes something that appears shabby, dingy, or run-down.