turd

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "turd" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and often considered vulgar.
You can use it in a derogatory context to describe something or someone negatively, often implying that they are worthless or unpleasant. Example: "I can't believe he would say that; what a turd!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's hope that putting it there left tell-tale turd on someone's balaclava.

The Guardian

Mr Rothschild tweeted a sardonic thanks to Mr Bakrie for buying a "worthless pile of turd" and said he looked forward to the company trading "to zero".

The Economist

"I care not a turd for the Queen nor her precepts," says a certain Mary Bunton in a trial transcript.

The Economist

A provincial assembly member from the country's north was banned from politics by Colombia's inspector-general for 13 years after voicing these suspicions in a way deemed racist; he said, in 2012, that "investing money in Chocó is like putting perfume on a turd".Meanwhile Pacific locals resent plans made in Bogotá.

The Economist

Simon Walker warned banks that they should recognise the damage being done rather than trying to spin the issue as "the proverbial turd that can indeed be polished".Flight progressAmerica's Federal Aviation Administration gave Boeing permission to carry out work on design fixes for the battery systems in its 787 Dreamliner, which has been grounded worldwide after a few safety scares.

The Economist

There is the pompous clubman, and the devotee of adolescent vulgar word games ("Prick, said the turd"), known to Amis and Larkin as "horse-pissing".

The Economist

While holidaying with a couple of girlfriends one of whom is a professional porn star Mr Sheen decided to tell a radio show what he thinks of his producer, Chuck Lorre: a "charlatan" and a "turd" (he denied any anti-Semitic intent in referring to Mr Lorre by the Hebrew version of his name, Chaim).

The Economist

Mrs Smegma marched me wordlessly to the toilet and showed me a little turd that had not flushed away.

The Economist

Earning the sobriquet "turd blossom" Mr Rove, as the story goes, provided the strategic thinking behind the genial front of Mr Bush.

The Economist

He waits until I go to bed, then he looks at porn and has a wank" – Joanna Neary "I was talking to my friend from New York yesterday, and I used the expression, 'You can't polish a turd'.

Independent

Besides, the three-box saloon is essentially unchanged since the dawn of the Ford Consul, which leaves the C5 looking like some kind of compacted, albeit quite stylish, turd.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turd" sparingly and be aware of your audience, as it is generally considered vulgar. It's best used in informal settings or when a strong, negative reaction is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "turd" in formal writing or professional communication. The term's vulgarity can undermine your credibility and distract from your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "turd" functions primarily as a noun, referring literally to a piece of excrement. Figuratively, it serves as a derogatory term to express strong disapproval, often indicating worthlessness or contempt. As seen in Ludwig, this usage is common in informal communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "turd" is a noun that refers to excrement or, more commonly, is used as a derogatory term. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct but informal and often considered vulgar. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to use this word sparingly, being mindful of the audience and the potential for offense. Alternatives like "piece of excrement" or "despicable person" might be more appropriate depending on the situation. While grammatically sound, its strong negative connotation makes it unsuitable for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of excrement

A more clinical and less offensive way to refer to feces.

lump of feces

Similar to 'piece of excrement' but slightly more descriptive.

pile of dung

Refers specifically to animal feces and carries a slightly more rustic connotation.

worthless thing

Shifts the meaning from literal feces to a general term of worthlessness.

despicable person

Applies the derogatory sense of "turd" directly to a person.

contemptible individual

A more formal and severe way to call someone despicable.

insignificant item

Focuses on the idea of something being unimportant or trivial.

object of disgust

Emphasizes the feeling of revulsion associated with the term.

something awful

A very general phrase indicating something extremely unpleasant.

abject failure

Highlights the failure aspect of something considered a "turd".

FAQs

What does "turd" mean?

The word "turd" refers to a piece of excrement or, figuratively, a despicable person or thing.

When is it appropriate to use the word "turd"?

It's generally appropriate in informal settings or when you want to express strong disapproval or disgust. However, avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "turd"?

You can use alternatives like "piece of excrement", "worthless thing", or "despicable person" depending on the context.

Is "turd" considered a vulgar word?

Yes, "turd" is generally considered a vulgar and offensive term. Use it with caution and awareness of your audience.