a dirty mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dirty mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a tendency to think of inappropriate or sexual thoughts. For example, "He definitely has a dirty mind, always making risque jokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Boy, do you have a dirty mind.

The New York Times - Style

"You have a dirty mind, my friend," said one.

The New York Times

"When forming images, it helps to have a dirty mind," Foer writes.

The New York Times

Kent was a troublemaker and the possessor of a dirty mind.

The New Yorker

He claimed that only someone with a "dirty mind" could think that the relationship was homosexual.

Independent

Yes, she has a dirty mind and an earthy attitude toward sex.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Coincidentally, around the same time, I "discovered" a Dirty Mind-era photo of him in a book of Rolling Stone clippings.

The Guardian - Music

The site, which has only been live for around a week, provides daily updates complete with truly striking visuals, sure to satisfy a worldly and dirty mind alike. .

Huffington Post

Also in the 70-minute set: Delirious, Automatic, DMSR and Little Red Corvette from 1999, plus When You Were Mine from Dirty Mind, a cover of Joni Mitchell's A Case of You, and the still unreleased Electric Intercourse.

The Guardian - Music

"I was the person drivin' a moped, listenin' to Dirty Mind or Octopus's Garden.

The Guardian - Music

"Walking on Air" sounds like Eurodance from 1990, and "Birthday" is a Prince soundalike, circa "Dirty Mind," from 1980.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a dirty mind" to describe someone who frequently has sexual or inappropriate thoughts, but be mindful of the context and audience to avoid causing offense.

Common error

While "a dirty mind" can be associated with a playful or humorous attitude, avoid using the phrase to excuse genuinely offensive or harmful behavior. Make sure the context is lighthearted and consensual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dirty mind" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a characteristic or attribute of a person or entity, indicating a tendency to think about sexually suggestive or otherwise inappropriate things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dirty mind" is a common expression used to describe someone who frequently has sexual or inappropriate thoughts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, primarily in news and media. However, it's essential to be mindful of the audience and context to avoid causing offense. While "a dirty mind" can be associated with humor or creativity, it should not be used to excuse harmful behavior. Related phrases include "a suggestive mind" and "a lewd imagination", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. Use the phrase judiciously, and be aware of its potential impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indecent mind

This stresses the lack of propriety and moral standards in one's thoughts.

a suggestive mind

This alternative focuses on the tendency to interpret things in a sexual way.

a lewd imagination

This alternative highlights the graphic and often inappropriate nature of the thoughts.

a prurient interest

This phrase emphasizes an excessive and often morbid interest in sexual matters.

a ribald sense of humor

This alternative refers to a crude or indecent sense of humor, often involving sexual topics.

a wicked imagination

This highlights the mischievous and potentially harmful nature of the thoughts.

a vulgar mind

This emphasizes the lack of refinement and taste in one's thoughts.

a perverted mind

This suggests a deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable sexual behavior or thoughts.

an impure mind

This denotes thoughts that are considered morally wrong or tainted.

a warped sense of humor

This focuses on the distorted and abnormal way someone perceives humor, often involving inappropriate subjects.

FAQs

How can I use "a dirty mind" in a sentence?

You can use "a dirty mind" to describe someone who often makes suggestive jokes or interprets situations in a sexual way. For example, "He always has "a dirty mind", finding double meanings in everything we say."

What's a more polite way to say "a dirty mind"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a suggestive imagination", "a ribald sense of humor", or "a playful mind" to soften the connotation of "a dirty mind".

Is it always negative to have "a dirty mind"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, having "a dirty mind" can be seen as humorous or creative, but it depends on the situation and how it's expressed. If it becomes offensive or inappropriate, then it's generally perceived negatively.

What is the difference between "a dirty mind" and "a perverted mind"?

While both phrases refer to inappropriate or sexual thoughts, "a perverted mind" suggests a more extreme deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable, often implying harmful or disturbing thoughts. "A dirty mind" is typically used for more lighthearted or humorous situations.