dirty thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

'dirty thoughts' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to immoral or lewd reflections, usually involving sexual fantasies or impulses. For example, "I was so embarrassed when my mind kept wandering to dirty thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Dirty thoughts to dirty bombs.

The New York Times

It was minimalism without intrigue and certainly without any dirty thoughts.

The New York Times

Rosenthal chided her for trying to make Times readers think dirty thoughts.

The New York Times - Books

His dirty, dirty thoughts are on show for everyone to indulge in.

The Guardian - Film

Nourabad, the high priest: I hope you are not having / Dirty thoughts / And that you are still / A virgin.

The Guardian - Books

"Face-to-face we pretend to be pure and clean, but we all have dirty thoughts," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Even in the desolation of an airport lounge at midnight, Viktor is too pure, we realize, to entertain the ghost of a dirty thought.

The New Yorker

He has thick curly hair and a mustache, and his eyes glint with the dirtiest thoughts entertained by any religious functionary since Rasputin.

The New Yorker

My greatest motivation for undergoing the brainwashing of the spiritual path was to see just how dirty my thoughts were.

Huffington Post

The emotional arousal Li documented doesn't necessarily prove that people are having dirty, sexy thoughts about robots they might just feel a little hesitation touching the robot's junk areas, even if there's no actual junk to touch.

Vice

"OK I have not read the book because it will dirty my pure thoughts, but if you are a Muslim, you follow Islamic rules without question.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dirty thoughts", consider the context. If writing formally, consider using a more nuanced term like "inappropriate thoughts" or "immoral thoughts" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "dirty thoughts" in academic papers or professional reports. Its informal tone and potentially offensive connotations can undermine your credibility. Instead, use more formal and precise language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty thoughts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes immoral or lewd reflections, typically involving sexual fantasies or impulses. For example, "He tried to ignore the dirty thoughts."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirty thoughts" is a common noun phrase used to describe immoral or lewd reflections, often of a sexual nature. While grammatically correct, its informality suggests avoiding it in professional or academic contexts, where more precise language is favored. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and used in various forms of media. Related phrases like "lewd thoughts" or "inappropriate thoughts" can provide a more nuanced and formal tone. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure your message is received appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lewd thoughts

Replaces "dirty" with a more clinical term, "lewd", focusing on the overtly sexual nature of the thoughts.

Inappropriate thoughts

Shifts the focus from the moral judgment of "dirty" to the suitability of the thoughts in a given context.

Naughty thoughts

Employs a more playful, less severe term than "dirty", softening the judgment.

Immoral thoughts

Replaces "dirty" with "immoral", emphasizing the ethical dimension of the thoughts.

Risqué thoughts

Highlights the slightly scandalous or provocative nature of the thoughts.

Indecent thoughts

Focuses on the violation of standards of propriety.

Sexual fantasies

Specifies the nature of the "dirty thoughts" as sexually oriented.

Racy thoughts

Implies a daring or titillating quality.

Impure thoughts

Replaces the adjective with another one that is a synonym with a negative connotation, indicating a lack of innocence or virtue.

Forbidden thoughts

Emphasizes the taboo nature of the thoughts, implying they are socially or morally off-limits.

FAQs

What's the difference between "dirty thoughts" and "naughty thoughts"?

"Dirty thoughts" typically implies a more intense or morally questionable level of lewdness, while "naughty thoughts" suggests a more playful, less serious form of transgression.

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

You can use "dirty thoughts" to describe fleeting or persistent thoughts that are sexual or otherwise morally questionable. For example, "He tried to suppress the dirty thoughts that entered his mind."

What can I say instead of "dirty thoughts" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "inappropriate thoughts", "immoral thoughts", or "lewd thoughts" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dirty thoughts"?

The phrase "dirty thoughts" is appropriate in informal settings, creative writing, or when discussing personal feelings. Avoid it in formal writing or professional communication where a more neutral or precise term would be better.