Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪn.dʒi/

Definitions

1. Dark, dirty, and unpleasant in appearance; often refers to a place or environment that is unkempt and lacking in cleanliness.

2. Faded, dull, or lacking in brightness; may describe something that appears worn or in poor condition.

3. In some contexts, it can also refer to something that feels oppressive or uncomfortable, like a dingy atmosphere or mood.

Usage Examples

• The room was small and dingy, with peeling wallpaper and a musty smell.
• He wore a dingy old shirt that had seen better days.
• The restaurant had a dingy ambiance, making it hard to enjoy the meal.

Etymology

The word "dingy" likely comes from the Middle English word "dingy," which meant "dark" or "soiled." It is believed to have roots in Old English, where "ding" meant "to strike" or "to damage," suggesting the idea of something being worn down or sullied. Over time, it evolved to describe anything that appeared dark, dirty, or in poor condition.

Synonyms

• Dirty
• Filthy
• Grimy
• Shabby
• Unkempt
• Gloomy
• Dim

Antonyms

• Clean
• Bright
• Fresh
• Neat
• Shiny
• Well-maintained

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "dingy" is commonly pronounced as /ˈdɪn.dʒi/ in both American and British English. In some regional dialects of English, such as in parts of the U.K., the pronunciation may be slightly more clipped, sounding like "din-gee" with a harder "g" sound.

Historical Usage

"Dingy" has been in use since at least the early 18th century, with its meaning remaining fairly consistent as referring to something dirty, gloomy, or in poor condition. The word has evolved to also describe atmospheres or feelings that are unpleasant or oppressive, in addition to physical objects or spaces.

Cultural Nuances

The term "dingy" is often used in contexts where things are not just dirty but also convey a sense of neglect or decay. It is frequently used to describe places that feel old, dark, and uninviting, like old hotels, apartments, or basements.

More Information

The word "dingy" often appears in the context of describing undesirable or uncomfortable environments. It's commonly used to describe things that seem worn out or in disrepair. Despite its negative connotation, it can also be used humorously or lightly to describe someone or something that just looks a little off or unimpressive.