dirtiness

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English dirty Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English dirtiness From dirty + -ness.

1. The state or quality of being dirty.

   “Paul was distressingly clean, but Babbitt reveled in a good sound dirtiness, in not having to shave till his spirit was moved to it.”

   “Dirtiness is inherent in hotels and restaurants, because sound food is sacrificed to punctuality and smartness.”