dirty word

noun

1. a vulgar or taboo word; obscenity.
2. any word, name, or concept considered reprehensible or unmentionable; anathema:

   “Lose” is a dirty word to this team.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dirty word¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

"Working with kids is in my soul and I want to teach them that disabled isn't a dirty word, and when I say it I don't have to flinch," Amy adds.

From BBC

"We have always stood on the right side of history, and we should never apologise for who we are or for defending our values. Patriotism isn’t a dirty word—it’s the best antidote to decline."

From BBC

According to Mr Martin: "Regulation was a dirty word."

From BBC

For some in this new build community, the name of the developer - Bellway - has become a dirty word.

From BBC

Nonetheless, Scripps treated “vocabulary” like a dirty word, instead employing a euphemism: “word meaning.”

From Seattle Times