Nasty vs. Filthy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Nasty typically refers to something unpleasant or offensive, whereas filthy denotes an extreme level of dirtiness or squalor.
Difference Between Nasty and Filthy
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Nasty is often used to describe attitudes, behaviors, or environments that are morally offensive or unpleasant, while filthy specifically implies a very high degree of dirtiness, often to an unsanitary extent.
In language, "nasty" can refer to harsh or mean-spirited comments, whereas "filthy" is used to describe something covered in or contaminated by dirt or pollution.
Regarding living conditions, a nasty place might have a bad odor or be in disrepair, while a filthy place is characterized by grime, garbage, and neglect.
When describing weather, nasty refers to conditions that are extremely unpleasant, such as cold, wet, and windy, whereas filthy does not typically apply to weather descriptions.
In the context of humor, nasty humor can be very offensive or even cruel, targeting sensitive topics, whereas filthy humor is laden with gender innuendo and profanity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Morally offensive, unpleasant
Extremely dirty, squalid
Common Usage
Behaviors, comments, conditions
Objects, places, conditions
Related to Cleanliness
Less directly, more metaphorical
Directly, primarily physical
Example Context
A nasty joke, a nasty look
Filthy clothes, a filthy house
Connotation
Negative, can be subjective
Extremely negative, usually objective
Compare with Definitions
Nasty
Vicious or hostile.
The competition between the two was unnecessarily nasty.
Filthy
Morally degraded or corrupt.
The scandal revealed the filthy practices within the organization.
Nasty
Disgustingly dirty.
The old refrigerator was nasty and smelled awful.
Filthy
Obscene or offensive, especially language or humor.
The comedian’s routine was too filthy for the early show.
Nasty
Referring to something very difficult or troublesome.
She faced a nasty puzzle in the game.
Filthy
Full of dirt or debris.
The abandoned lot was filthy with trash and debris.
Nasty
Highly offensive or objectionable.
He made some nasty comments during the meeting.
Filthy
Rich or abundant, often used ironically.
He’s filthy rich after that investment.
Nasty
Severe or intense, especially of weather.
We got caught in a nasty storm.
Filthy
Disgustingly dirty, covered or smeared with filth.
His boots were filthy after the hike.
Nasty
Very bad or unpleasant
Plastic bags burn with a nasty, acrid smell
Dad's had a nasty accident
Filthy
Covered or smeared with filth; disgustingly dirty.
Nasty
Behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way
Harry was a nasty, foul-mouthed old devil
Filthy
Obscene or offensive
A filthy magazine.
Filthy language.
Nasty
Damaging or harmful
A nasty, vicious-looking hatchet
Filthy
Vile; nasty
A filthy traitor.
Nasty
An unpleasant or harmful person or thing
A water conditioner to neutralize chlorine and other nasties
Filthy
Covered with filth; very dirty.
Nasty
Disgusting or repellent
A nasty odor rising from the garbage can.
Filthy
Obscene or offensive.
Nasty
Unpleasantly cold or wet
Nasty weather.
Filthy
Very unpleasant or disagreeable.
Nasty
(Archaic) Dirty; filthy.
Filthy
(transitive) To make very dirty; to saturate something with dirt.
Nasty
Morally offensive or indecent
A nasty film.
Filthy
(transitive) To cover in filth.
Nasty
Unpleasant or annoying
A nasty habit.
Filthy
Defiled with filth, whether material or moral; nasty; dirty; polluted; foul; impure; obscene.
He which is filthy let him be filthy still.
Nasty
Mean or spiteful
Stop being nasty to each other.
Filthy
Disgustingly dirty; filled or smeared with offensive matter;
As filthy as a pigsty
A foul pond
A nasty pigsty of a room
Nasty
Painful or dangerous; grave
A nasty accident.
Filthy
Vile; despicable;
A dirty (or lousy) trick
A filthy traitor
Nasty
Exasperatingly difficult to solve or handle
A nasty puzzle.
A nasty problem.
Filthy
Thoroughly unpleasant;
Filthy (or foul or nasty or vile) weather we're having
Nasty
One that is nasty
"It is the business of museums to present us with nasties as well as with fine things" (Country Life).
Filthy
Characterized by obscenity;
Had a filthy mouth
Foul language
Smutty jokes
Nasty
Dirty, filthy.
Nasty
Contemptible, unpleasant (of a person).
Nasty
Objectionable, unpleasant (of a thing); repellent, offensive.
Nasty
Indecent or offensive; obscene, lewd.
Nasty
Spiteful, unkind.
Nasty
Awkward, difficult to navigate; dangerous.
Nasty
Grave or dangerous (of an accident, illness etc.).
Nasty
Formidable, terrific; wicked.
Nasty
(informal) Something nasty.
Processed foods are full of aspartame and other nasties.
This video game involves flying through a maze zapping various nasties.
Nasty
A video nasty.
Nasty
Offensively filthy; very dirty, foul, or defiled; disgusting; nauseous.
Nasty
Hence, loosely: Offensive; disagreeable; unpropitious; wet; drizzling; as, a nasty rain, day, sky.
Nasty
Characterized by obscenity; indecent; indelicate; gross; filthy.
Nasty
Vicious; offensively ill-tempered; insultingly mean; spiteful; as, a nasty disposition.
Nasty
Difficult to deal with; troublesome; as, he fell of his bike and got a nasty bruise on his knee.
Nasty
Offensive or even (of persons) malicious;
In a nasty mood
A nasty accident
A nasty shock
A nasty smell
A nasty trick to pull
Will he say nasty things at my funeral?
Nasty
Exasperatingly difficult to handle or circumvent;
A nasty problem
A good man to have on your side in a tight situation
Nasty
Thoroughly unpleasant;
Filthy (or foul or nasty or vile) weather we're having
Nasty
Characterized by obscenity;
Had a filthy mouth
Foul language
Smutty jokes
Nasty
Disgustingly dirty; filled or smeared with offensive matter;
As filthy as a pigsty
A foul pond
A nasty pigsty of a room
Common Curiosities
What does 'nasty' imply in social contexts?
In social contexts, 'nasty' often refers to behavior or remarks that are mean-spirited and offensive.
Can 'filthy' be used figuratively?
Yes, 'filthy' can be used figuratively to describe someone who is very wealthy, as in "filthy rich."
Is 'nasty' related to physical dirtiness?
While 'nasty' can refer to physical dirtiness, it is more often used to describe things that are morally or emotionally repugnant.
How do 'nasty' and 'filthy' differ in describing humor?
'Nasty' humor is offensive or cruel, targeting sensitive issues, while 'filthy' humor is characterized by obscenity and profanity.
What does 'filthy' imply in terms of living conditions?
'Filthy' implies living conditions that are extremely dirty, possibly unsanitary or hazardous to health.
What types of materials or environments are typically described as 'filthy'?
Environments such as garbage dumps, heavily polluted areas, and unkempt living spaces, as well as materials like grimy tools or soiled clothing, are typically described as filthy.
Can 'nasty' apply to taste and smell?
Yes, 'nasty' can describe tastes and smells that are particularly unpleasant or offensive, such as rotten food or foul odors.
Can 'nasty' be used in a legal context?
Yes, 'nasty' can be used in a legal context to describe particularly contentious or unpleasant disputes or behaviors within legal proceedings.
How does 'filthy' relate to personal hygiene?
'Filthy' can describe an extreme lack of cleanliness related to personal hygiene, suggesting a visible accumulation of dirt or neglect.
How do the emotional implications of 'nasty' compare to 'filthy'?
'Nasty' carries stronger emotional implications, often related to feelings of disgust at a moral or personal level, whereas 'filthy' focuses more on physical states or conditions.
How does the severity of the situation affect the use of 'nasty' vs. 'filthy'?
'Nasty' is more flexible and can describe a range of severities in moral or emotional contexts, whereas 'filthy' generally indicates a severe level of physical dirtiness.
How do 'nasty' and 'filthy' compare in their figurative uses?
Both can be used figuratively: 'nasty' often to describe difficult or complex situations, and 'filthy' to denote excess, such as in wealth or behavior. However, 'nasty' has broader figurative applications, often in social or interpersonal contexts.
Is 'nasty' always negative in its connotations?
Yes, 'nasty' is generally used with negative connotations to describe things, actions, or behaviors that are unpleasant or harmful.
Is it common to use 'filthy' in a positive sense?
It's uncommon, but 'filthy' can be used positively in informal contexts, particularly in phrases like "filthy rich" to denote extreme wealth.
In what contexts is 'filthy' used in professional cleaning?
In professional cleaning, 'filthy' is used to describe spaces or items that require intensive cleaning efforts due to excessive dirt, grime, or contamination.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Investigation vs. Inspection
Next Comparison
General vs. SpecialAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
