grungy

[ gruhn-jee ]

adjective

, Slang.

, grun·gi·er, grun·gi·est.

1. ugly, run-down, or dilapidated:

   a grungy, abandoned mill town.

2. dirty; filthy:

   a pair of grungy sneakers.

grungy

/ ˈɡrʌndʒɪ /

adjective

1. squalid or seedy
2. (of pop music) characterized by a loud fuzzy guitar sound

Other Words From

• grungi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grungy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; grunge + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Kateryna Yermolaeva photographs herself as nonbinary, in one image sitting primly next to a washing machine and in another with her legs spread wide as she sits in a grungy stairwell.

From Washington Post

In this angsty and grungy number, the five members sing of being swallowed by darkness with only the object of their affection shining as the source of light.

From Time

Costume designer Ann Roth found Ratso’s grungy clothes at sidewalk tables in midtown, and the Andy Warhol-inspired party scene included Warhol regulars.

From Washington Post

HERIZEN — “DEMON”Herizen, the 23-year-old artist and actress, has taken her signature grungy alt-pop sound and raised the dead.

From Essence.com

Her candor and efficiency are refreshing, especially on the once-grungy, now-trendy Orchard Street.

From The Daily Beast

Although there was that grungy-vibe (flannel shirts and biker boots), it was girly, young even.

From The Daily Beast

Herb sent me a photo of this “grungy hippie-type surfer boy,” as he called him.

From The Daily Beast

Food Destination Where grungy meets gourmet, and you leave happily stuffed.

From The Daily Beast

Now Erin Wasson is bringing grungy, gritty style back into vogue with her new clothing line.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• dilapidated
• disheveled
• filthy
• grimy
• grubby
• rundown