a dirty look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dirty look" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an expression of disapproval or disgust on someone's face. It can also imply that the person giving the look is feeling angry or resentful. Example: As she walked into the café, the server gave her a dirty look, clearly still upset about their past encounter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bartender shot him a dirty look.

The New Yorker

The manager shot me a dirty look.

The New Yorker

I gave him a dirty look.

The New York Times

and "I gave him a dirty look".

The New Yorker

Thankfully, the guard just gave me a dirty look.

The New York Times

Yes, you, the gentleman who gave me a dirty look.

The New Yorker

He gave me a dirty look and scowled.

The New York Times - Sports

He gave me kind of a dirty look.

The New York Times - Tech

"He gave my shirt a dirty look," he whispered.

The New York Times - Style

Nadal, preparing to serve, was nonplussed, and gave the promenade a dirty look.

The New Yorker

Goofy might throw you a dirty look, but you could leave.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a dirty look", consider adding sensory details (e.g narrowed eyes, pursed lips) to further enhance the reader's understanding and immersion.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing "a dirty look" for mild expressions of disapproval. It suggests a strong negative sentiment; consider alternatives like "disapproving glance" for lesser offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dirty look" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., gave, shot, received). It describes a specific type of non-verbal communication expressing disapproval or hostility. Ludwig's examples show it used across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dirty look" is a common and readily understood noun phrase used to describe an expression of disapproval or hostility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While it effectively conveys negative sentiments, careful consideration should be given to the intensity of the look when choosing this phrase over softer alternatives. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a range of writing styles, though more formal settings might benefit from descriptive alternatives. Mastering the nuance of "a dirty look" will enhance your ability to paint vivid and relatable scenarios in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nasty glare

It's synonymous; the term 'nasty' carries similar negative connotations as 'dirty' in this context.

a look of disdain

Explicitly states the feeling behind the look.

a contemptuous look

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt in the expression.

a disapproving glance

Focuses on the disapproval aspect, softening the intensity of the look.

a scornful gaze

Emphasizes contempt and disdain in the look.

a hostile glare

Highlights the aggressive and threatening nature of the look.

an icy stare

Suggests a cold and emotionless disapproval.

a withering look

Implies the look is intended to humiliate or diminish the recipient.

a menacing stare

Suggests an implicit threat conveyed through the look.

a peeved expression

Replaces the look with a general expression of annoyance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a dirty look" in a sentence?

Use "a dirty look" to describe a non-verbal expression of strong disapproval, anger, or disgust. For example, "He gave me "a dirty look" when I accidentally spilled coffee on his new shoes."

What are some alternatives to "a dirty look" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a disapproving glance", "a scornful gaze", or "a hostile glare" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of intensity.

What's the difference between "a dirty look" and "a nasty look"?

"A dirty look" and "a nasty look" are often interchangeable, but "a dirty look" may imply a stronger sense of moral judgment or disapproval, while "a nasty look" might simply indicate displeasure or disgust.

Is it appropriate to use "a dirty look" in formal writing?

While "a dirty look" is widely understood, consider the tone and audience of your formal writing. In some cases, a more descriptive and less colloquial phrase like "a look of disdain" might be more suitable.