scuzzy
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of scuzzy
First recorded in 1965–70; expressive coinage; compare similar phonetic components of scum, fuzzy, lousy, sleazy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The shows so far have spanned the modern desert’s full range of scenes — country dance nights, the scuzzy punk of Throw Rag, cabaret drag acts and gothic folk from Blood Nebraska.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025
It’s natural to view the temporary mixing of Willard R. Abbott’s earnest teachers with the scuzzy simpletons who barely run the worst bar in America as, um, entirely unnatural.
From Salon • Jan. 8, 2025
The Birthday Party favored a rancorous spirit, writing scuzzy songs and descending into mayhem at every turn.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2023
“I wrote a scuzzy ‘90s rock album that is never gonna see the light of day,” she admits.
From BBC • Nov. 10, 2023
“Well? You’re the one who went into that scuzzy water— twice! Doesn’t it make you furious?”
From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.