a dirty thrill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dirty thrill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of excitement or pleasure that is considered taboo or morally questionable. Example: "Watching the horror movie gave her a dirty thrill that she couldn't resist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sparks seemed to leap between Gray's arched eyebrows, as if each were a battery terminal, as if he were getting a dirty thrill out of being onstage.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This British version kindly offers the same sort of dirty thrill, but with posh kids at a made-up public school being menaced by the murdered spectres of 17th-century students hell-bent on revenge, or something like that.

The Guardian - Film

Wait, you already knew that it's not taboo anymore so there's no dirty thrill, and that kneehigh stockings and pigtails and baby-shaved, tattooed mons pubii don't actually look all that great?

Vice

It's not the cheap, dirty thrill of the booze can, where you'll end up snorting shitty coke and making out with some busboy(s) from Bar Isabel, but drinking cold tea feels like an innocently illicit act out of adolescence.

Vice

It's not the cheap, dirty thrill of the booze can where you'll end up snorting shitty coke and making out with some busboy(s) from Bar Isabel, but drinking cold tea feels like an innocently illicit act of life's adolescent era.

Vice

Bad without dirty thrills or novelty".

Forbes

This is dirty — a dirty war".

The New Yorker

A dirty trick?

The Economist

A dirty weekend?

Independent

In a dirty glass.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Retreat is a dirty word".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dirty thrill" to effectively convey a sense of excitement derived from something considered taboo or morally questionable. It's a concise way to describe a feeling of enjoying something that is slightly wrong.

Common error

While "a dirty thrill" is a vivid expression, avoid overusing it, as frequent repetition can diminish its impact. Vary your language with synonyms or alternative descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dirty thrill" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a specific kind of pleasurable sensation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dirty thrill" describes a feeling of pleasure stemming from something taboo or morally questionable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively infrequent, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Similar phrases include "a guilty pleasure" and "an illicit thrill", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider its potential impact and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a guilty pleasure

This alternative suggests enjoyment of something that one might feel slightly ashamed of or reluctant to admit to liking.

a naughty delight

This alternative emphasizes the playful and mischievous aspect of the pleasure.

a wicked enjoyment

This alternative implies a more intense and perhaps morally questionable sense of pleasure.

a forbidden pleasure

This alternative focuses on the aspect of the pleasure being prohibited or restricted.

an illicit thrill

This alternative highlights the unlawful or unauthorized nature of the exciting experience.

a clandestine excitement

This alternative suggests a secret and hidden source of excitement.

a sinful indulgence

This alternative emphasizes the morally wrong or decadent nature of the enjoyment.

a perverse satisfaction

This alternative indicates a deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.

a shady amusement

This alternative implies that the source of amusement is questionable or of dubious origin.

a risqué kick

This alternative suggests a daring and slightly inappropriate source of excitement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dirty thrill" to describe the feeling of excitement one gets from engaging in something taboo or morally questionable. For example, "He got "a dirty thrill" from watching horror movies".

What's the difference between "a dirty thrill" and "a guilty pleasure"?

"A dirty thrill" implies a stronger sense of transgression and excitement compared to "a guilty pleasure", which is more about enjoying something you might be slightly ashamed of.

What can I say instead of "a dirty thrill"?

You can use alternatives like "a guilty pleasure", "an illicit thrill", or "a forbidden pleasure" depending on the context.

Is "a dirty thrill" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a dirty thrill" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "a transgressive pleasure" or "a questionable enjoyment".