foul sty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul sty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dirty or unpleasant place, often in a metaphorical sense, to convey a sense of disgust or disapproval. Example: "The abandoned house had become a foul sty, filled with trash and decay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's one big foul sty.

The New Yorker

It would be like that part in Shadow of a Doubt where Joseph Cotten corners teenage Teresa Wright and menacingly whispers, "Do you know the world is a foul sty?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In "Gertrude and Claudius," Mr. Updike uses all his considerable powers of persuasion to turn the woman Shakespeare's Hamlet accuses of foul lust (living "in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed,/ Stewed in corruption, honeying and making love/Over the nasty sty") into a modern romantic who finds true love with her husband's brother.

The New York Times - Books

"Even a pig does not foul its own sty," he said.After six years in the job he was made a functionary in Ukraine.

The Economist

Foul, salty.

The New Yorker

"A real sty".

The New Yorker

Needless foul.

The New York Times

Foul trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

A foul?

The New York Times - Sports

Irana foul.

The New Yorker

No foul.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "foul sty" sparingly and deliberately to create a strong image of degradation or moral corruption. Its impact comes from its somewhat archaic and visceral nature.

Common error

Avoid using "foul sty" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Reserve it for situations where a strong, negative impression is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul sty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It serves to describe a noun by equating it with or characterizing it as a dirty, unpleasant, or morally corrupt place. Ludwig AI confirms its use in creating vivid imagery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foul sty" is a relatively uncommon but grammatically sound expression used to describe a dirty and unpleasant place, often metaphorically representing moral corruption. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a strong negative connotation and should be used deliberately to create a powerful image. Alternatives such as "filthy pigsty" or "moral cesspool" offer similar but nuanced meanings. When considering usage, be mindful of the potential for sounding overly dramatic in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filthy pigsty

Replaces "foul" with "filthy" and retains the "sty" metaphor, emphasizing extreme dirtiness.

foul environment

Focuses on the unpleasantness of the whole environment

disgusting mess

Shifts from a specific location ("sty") to a more general state of disorder and revulsion.

dirty hovel

Replaces "sty" with "hovel" to suggest a squalid, unpleasant dwelling.

repulsive dump

Uses "dump" to describe a place that is extremely unpleasant and unwanted.

corrupt environment

Abstracts the physical dirtiness to a morally tainted atmosphere.

squalid surroundings

Focuses on the general unpleasantness and degradation of the environment.

moral cesspool

Emphasizes the decay and corruption, suggesting a place where morality is stagnant and rotten.

unsavory den

Indicates a place that is not only dirty but also associated with questionable or immoral activities.

contaminated space

Highlights the presence of pollutants that make a location unhygienic

FAQs

What does "foul sty" mean?

The phrase "foul sty" refers to a dirty and unpleasant place, often used metaphorically to describe a morally corrupt or degraded environment. It evokes a sense of disgust and revulsion.

How can I use "foul sty" in a sentence?

You can use "foul sty" to describe a location or situation characterized by filth and moral decay. For example, "The city had become a "foul sty" of corruption and despair."

What are some alternatives to "foul sty"?

Some alternatives to "foul sty" include "filthy pigsty", "disgusting mess", or "moral cesspool", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foul sty" a common expression?

No, "foul sty" is not a particularly common expression in modern English. It is more likely to be found in literature or formal writing where a strong, negative image is desired.