nasty

Everyday

1. Very unpleasant to see, smell, taste or feel: «a nasty smell». tree →
2. Unkind and mean: «a nasty comment». tree →
3. Bad, serious or dangerous: «a nasty cut», «a nasty fall». tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about friendship, being nasty (unkind words, teasing) hurts others; children learn to stop and say sorry. In health and safety, «a nasty cut» needs first aid. In stories, a nasty villain. Phrases: «a nasty shock», «a nasty cold», «turn nasty».

Examples

• The milk had gone off and smelled nasty. tree →
• It was nasty of him to laugh at her. tree →
• She had a nasty fall off her bike. tree →
• Clean that nasty cut and put a plaster on it. tree →
• The weather turned nasty. tree →
• Don't be nasty to your little brother. tree →
• I've got a nasty cold. tree →

Note

Comparatives: nastier, nastiest. Opposite: nice, kind, pleasant. Informal but common.