What does smutty mean?
Smutty is an informal adjective describing language, images, jokes, or other material that is sexually explicit, indecent, or deliberately vulgar. In ordinary use, it suggests content that goes beyond mild suggestion and is intended to be shocking, offensive, or titillating. The word can also be applied figuratively to conduct, institutions, or stories characterized by moral corruption or sordid behavior, although this extended sense is less common. Smutty is more direct and judgmental than words such as suggestive or risqué, and its use often expresses disapproval. In formal writing, a more specific term may be preferable when describing explicit sexual content, obscenity, indecency, or moral corruption. The related noun smut refers to sexually explicit or indecent material itself.
adjectiveCharacterized by sexual content that is vulgar, obscene, or indecent; lewd. It can also describe something morally objectionable or sordid.
- Characterized by sexual content that is vulgar, obscene, or indecent.
- Characterized by moral corruption, sordidness, or offensive vulgarity, especially in a figurative sense.
"The newspaper removed the smutty images from its front page."
"He made a smutty joke that made the whole room uncomfortable."
"The review described the novel's portrayal of corruption as smutty and morally degrading."
Smutty is a blunt, informal label for language or images that cross the line from merely suggestive into openly vulgar territory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smutty come from?
Smutty was formed in the 19th century by adding the adjective suffix -y to smut, an English word for dirt, filth, or morally objectionable material. Smut developed in part from an earlier sense connected with soot or dirty residue and acquired its sexual and indecent meanings through figurative use. The compound and derivative sense of smutty follows the same pattern, emphasizing the character of material or behavior as vulgar and indecent.
Related word forms
How smutty is actually used
Informal and generally disparaging. It is usually more blunt than suggestive and may be considered vulgar; figurative uses often carry a strong moral judgment.
Easily confused with smutty
Smut is the noun referring to sexually explicit or indecent material, whereas smutty is the adjective describing material or conduct of that kind.