filthy

Everyday

1. Very dirty: filthy boots. tree →
2. (informal) Rude, nasty or about rude things: a filthy joke; a filthy mood. tree →
3. (informal) Very unpleasant: filthy weather. tree →
4. «filthy rich» (informal) = extremely rich. tree →
5. (slang) «a filthy look» = an angry look. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life children come home filthy after playing in mud; in stories «a filthy temper» or «filthy weather» paints a bad mood or storm. Phrases: «filthy dirty», «filthy rich», «a filthy look», «filthy weather».

Examples

• Take off those filthy shoes before you come in! tree →
• The dog was filthy after rolling in mud. tree →
• It's filthy weather out there — rain and wind. tree →
• He gave me a filthy look when I laughed. tree →
• They are filthy rich and have three houses. tree →
• Don't tell filthy jokes at school. tree →

Note

Comparative: filthier, filthiest (y → i). Stronger than «dirty». Noun: filth. Meaning 2 is rude talk — avoid in polite company.

In Jewish tradition

In Zechariah, Joshua the high priest wears filthy garments that are taken off him. Tradition sees them as the sin of the people, which is forgiven.

Interpretation. The change of clothes is read as God's forgiveness and the priest's renewal. In Isaiah, filthy tables show a leadership that has become drunk and corrupt.

Examples

• Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! (Prophets ZEP.3.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. (Prophets ZEC.3.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• For all tables are full of filthy vomit, and no place is clean. (Prophets ISA.28.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparative: filthier, filthiest (y → i). Stronger than «dirty». Noun: filth. Meaning 2 is rude talk — avoid in polite company.