a filthy liar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a filthy liar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is perceived as dishonest or deceitful in a very strong and negative way. Example: "After discovering the truth, I realized he was nothing but a filthy liar who manipulated everyone around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She's a filthy liar.

Huffington Post

Or maybe everyone who says they've done it on a plane is a filthy liar and should be shamed for giving the rest of us such unrealistic expectations in spite of the inherent sexiness of air travel.

Vice

One of the most stinging criticisms of Ivanka's lament came from John Podhoretz, columnist  in the usually Trump-friendly New York Post, who called the first daughter a "filthy liar" in a tweet for saying she was shocked by ugly attacks in politics.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I just tried and Fandango is a dirty, filthy liar.

TechCrunch

If you don't you're a dirty filthy liar with no soul and may Andy Dufresne have mercy on your soul.

Vice

And I will only say that Roger Goodell is a filthy fucking liar behind closed doors.

Huffington Post

Filthy liars.

TechCrunch

All candidates proved filthy liars and corrupt in the debates".

Huffington Post

Either they're not telling the truth, in which case I hate them for being filthy liars, or they are telling the truth, in which case I hate them because I'm deeply jealous.

Vice

Back in Norbiton I've turned my tape recorder on and Zac is in full rant about politics being a filthy business, the Lib Dems being despicable, Susan Kramer being a liar.

Independent

Just a filthy ball.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a filthy liar", be aware of its strong negative connotation and consider whether a less inflammatory term might be more appropriate, depending on your audience and the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a filthy liar" in professional or academic writing. Its informal and strongly negative tone is generally unsuitable for such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a filthy liar" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptor, used to label someone considered dishonest. It is a more intense form of simply calling someone "a liar", adding an element of moral judgment and disgust. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English, albeit with careful consideration of context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a filthy liar" is a strong and pejorative descriptor used to express intense disapproval of someone's dishonesty. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct, however, its informal register and strong negative connotations make it unsuitable for formal or professional contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the potential impact and consider whether a less inflammatory term might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "despicable liar" or "vile deceiver" may convey a similar meaning with slightly less intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A despicable liar

Emphasizes the contemptibility of the liar's actions.

A vile deceiver

Highlights the wickedness and manipulative nature of the deception.

A blatant prevaricator

Focuses on the obvious and shameless nature of the lying.

A consummate falsifier

Suggests the liar is highly skilled and practiced in their deceit.

An outright fibber

A more informal term for someone who tells untruths.

A chronic fabricator

Implies the person is a habitual liar.

A mendacious individual

A formal way to describe someone prone to lying.

A pathological liar

Suggests a psychological condition driving the lying behavior.

A treacherous betrayer

Emphasizes the betrayal and harm caused by the liar.

A deceitful scoundrel

Combines dishonesty with a sense of being a rogue or rascal.

FAQs

How can I use "a filthy liar" in a sentence?

You can use "a filthy liar" to express strong disapproval of someone you believe is being dishonest. For example: "After the scandal, everyone knew he was "a filthy liar"."

What's a less offensive way to describe someone who is lying?

Consider using alternatives like "dishonest", "deceitful", or "untruthful", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a liar" and "a filthy liar"?

"A liar" is a general term for someone who doesn't tell the truth. "A filthy liar" is a more emphatic and negative term, suggesting the person's dishonesty is particularly egregious or morally reprehensible.

Is it appropriate to call someone "a filthy liar" in a professional setting?

Generally, no. The phrase "a filthy liar" is highly informal and carries a strong negative connotation, making it unsuitable for most professional contexts. It's better to use more neutral language such as "untrustworthy" or "misleading".