How Do You Spell DIRT?

Pronunciation: [dˈɜːt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "dirt" can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /dɜrt/, with the stressed vowel being the "e" sound. The "d" in "dirt" is spelled with its typical letter-to-sound correspondence. The "i" and "r" sounds are blended together to make the "er" sound indicated by "ɜ." Finally, the "t" sound is spelled with its typical letter-to-sound correspondence. Overall, the spelling of "dirt" accurately represents the sounds heard in the word when pronounced.

DIRT Meaning and Definition

  1. Dirt is a noun that refers to loose particles of earth or soil. It is commonly found covering the ground surfaces and can range in texture, color, and composition, depending on the geographical location.

    The term "dirt" generally describes unclean or soiled substances, which can include dust, grime, and other types of filth. It often carries a negative connotation, implying impurity or unhygienic conditions. In this sense, "dirt" is often associated with the need for cleanliness or the act of cleaning.

    Additionally, "dirt" can also be used metaphorically to represent dishonesty, scandalous behavior, or unsavory aspects of someone's character or reputation. It implies a lack of moral values or questionable actions.

    However, on a more positive note, the term "dirt" can also be used colloquially to refer to earth or soil in a fond or nostalgic manner. It can evoke memories of childhood play, gardening, or outdoor activities, showcasing the versatile nature of the word.

    Overall, "dirt" encompasses a range of meanings and connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. It can represent both literal earth and metaphorical ideas related to cleanliness, moral character, or sentimental experiences.

  2. • Any foul or filthy thing; mud or earth.
    • To make foul or unclean.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DIRT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DIRT

Etymology of DIRT

The word "dirt" has its roots in Old Norse and Old English languages. In Old Norse, the word "drit" meant excrement or feces. In Old English, the word "drit" or "dirt" referred to mud, soil, or earth. Both of these words have Germanic origins, ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "dritiz". The word gradually evolved in Middle English to become "dirt", retaining its basic meaning of soil or earth.

Idioms with the word DIRT

  • dish the dirt The idiom "dish the dirt" means to reveal or spread gossip or share hidden information, often of a scandalous or negative nature, about someone or something. It refers to the act of sharing secrets or revealing unsavory details.
  • hit the dirt The idiom "hit the dirt" means to abruptly drop to the ground, often as a reflex or reaction to avoid danger or harm.
  • do sb dirt The idiom "do someone dirt" means to behave rudely, unfairly, or dishonestly towards someone. It implies intentionally causing harm, damage, or betrayal to someone.
  • do sm dirt(y) The idiom "do someone dirt(y)" means to mistreat or harm someone, usually by behaving dishonestly or unfairly towards them. It can also imply betrayal or backstabbing.
  • dirt file The idiom "dirt file" refers to a collection of damaging or incriminating information, often secretly compiled, related to a person or organization. It can contain personal, professional, or confidential details intended to tarnish someone's reputation or be used as leverage in a dispute or negotiation.
  • dirt nap The idiom "dirt nap" is a colloquial expression that refers to someone's death or to be buried in a grave. It implies that a person has permanently ceased to live and their body is being laid to rest in the ground. It is a somewhat informal and often slightly humorous way to refer to the end of someone's life.
  • dirt-poor The idiom "dirt-poor" refers to someone who is extremely impoverished or financially destitute, often living in extreme poverty with very limited resources or means to sustain themselves. In this context, the word "dirt" is used metaphorically to emphasize the lowliness or insignificance of their financial condition.
  • do dirt The idiom "do dirt" typically means to engage in dishonest or illicit activities, such as immoral or illegal actions, often with the intention of causing harm or gaining an unfair advantage. It implies engaging in wrongdoing, deceit, or unethical behavior.
  • eat dirt The idiom "eat dirt" means to experience humiliation, submission, or defeat, often used to indicate someone is humbled or made to feel inferior.
  • pay dirt The idiom "pay dirt" refers to achieving significant or valuable results, often unexpectedly or after a long and challenging effort, especially in financial or business endeavors. It originates from the practice of mining, where hitting a vein of gold or other precious minerals was considered striking "pay dirt" - a breakthrough that would yield substantial returns.
  • pay dirt, hit The idiom "pay dirt, hit" means to have a successful and lucrative outcome, usually referring to finding or earning something valuable or making a significant profit in one's pursuits, endeavors, or investments. It originates from the practice of mining where hitting "pay dirt" refers to discovering a vein of valuable minerals or metals, resulting in financial success.
  • drag someone or something through the dirt To "drag someone or something through the dirt" means to publicly criticize, humiliate, or blacken someone's reputation or to tarnish the reputation or image of something, often done by revealing negative or embarrassing information about them. It involves actively demeaning or discrediting someone or something in a highly derogatory manner, often causing significant damage to their reputation.
  • hit/strike pay dirt The definition of the idiom "hit/strike pay dirt" is to be successful or fortunate, especially in finding or discovering something valuable or desirable.
  • treat (one) like dirt The idiom "treat (one) like dirt" means to treat someone very poorly or disrespectfully, showing no consideration or value for their feelings or worth. It implies subjecting someone to mistreatment, humiliation, or disregard, often making them feel insignificant or unworthy.
  • Throw dirt enough, and some will stick The idiom "Throw dirt enough, and some will stick" means that if you make enough accusations or criticisms about someone, even if some of them are false or baseless, some of them are likely to be believed or cause damage.
  • dig sm dirt up The idiom "dig some dirt up" means to uncover or discover incriminating, embarrassing, or unpleasant information or secrets about someone, typically for the purpose of tarnishing their reputation or causing harm. It refers to the act of searching for and exposing negative details or past actions of an individual.
  • dig up (sm) dirt (on sb) The idiom "dig up (someone's) dirt (on somebody)" means to uncover or find incriminating or damaging information about someone, often with the intention of using it against them or to tarnish their reputation. It refers to the act of discovering and exposing someone's secrets or hidden past, especially if it involves scandalous, embarrassing, or compromising details.
  • strike pay dirt To "strike pay dirt" is an idiom that means to find or discover something valuable or profitable, often unintentionally or unexpectedly. It is often used metaphorically to refer to a successful or lucky endeavor that leads to a significant gain or advantage.
  • hit pay dirt The idiom "hit pay dirt" means to achieve success or to make a valuable discovery, especially after a period of hard work or searching. It originated from the practice of mining for gold, where "pay dirt" referred to soil or rock containing a substantial amount of valuable minerals. Therefore, "hitting pay dirt" metaphorically refers to finding something valuable or experiencing a breakthrough.
  • dig up dirt The idiom "dig up dirt" refers to the act of researching, investigating, or uncovering damaging or compromising information about someone or something. It can involve finding and revealing secrets, scandals, or past indiscretions.
  • Throw dirt enough, and sm will stick The idiom "Throw enough dirt, and some will stick" means that if one spreads enough accusations or negative information about a person, even if some of it is false, people are likely to believe at least some of it. Essentially, it suggests that persistent mudslinging can damage a person's reputation, regardless of the actual truth.
  • treat sb like dirt The idiom "treat someone like dirt" means to show extreme disrespect, contempt, or disdain towards someone. It suggests treating someone poorly or unfairly, without any regard for their feelings or dignity.
  • dirt cheap The idiom "dirt cheap" means extremely inexpensive or very cheap. It is used to describe something that can be purchased at an unusually low price.
  • You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die The idiom "You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die" is a proverbial expression used to convey the idea that one must endure hardships or unpleasant experiences before achieving success or reaching one's ultimate goals. It implies that setbacks or challenges are an inherent part of life, and one must learn from them or persevere through them in order to grow, succeed, or ultimately find happiness.
  • treat like dirt The idiom "treat like dirt" means to mistreat, disrespect, or ignore someone in a rude and demeaning manner.
  • dig sm dirt up (on sm) The idiom "dig some dirt up (on someone)" means to actively search or investigate in order to find and reveal damaging or incriminating information about someone. It refers to the act of uncovering or unearthing negative facts or secrets about a person, usually with the intention of harming their reputation or gaining an advantage over them.
  • dish the dirt on (someone or something) The idiom "dish the dirt on (someone or something)" means to share or reveal unpleasant or scandalous information or secrets about someone or something. It refers to providing information, often gossip or controversial details, that may tarnish someone's reputation or expose hidden truths.
  • dig the dirt (or dig up dirt) The idiom "dig the dirt" or "dig up dirt" means to uncover or find hidden or scandalous information about someone, typically with the intention of using it against them or to damage their reputation. It refers to the act of searching for or exposing sensitive details or secrets about someone's personal or professional life.
  • take a dirt nap The idiom "take a dirt nap" is a colloquial and humorous expression that typically means to die or be buried in the ground. It implies a permanent rest, often with a connotation of finality or irreversibility.
  • dig some dirt up The idiom "dig some dirt up" generally means to find or uncover information, usually negative or incriminating, about someone or something. It typically refers to the act of searching for and revealing hidden or secret details that may harm the person or organization being discussed.
  • treat somebody like dirt The idiom "treat somebody like dirt" means to treat someone with contempt, disrespect, or extreme hostility, showing little or no regard for their feelings or well-being. It implies treating someone in a derogatory or demeaning manner, as if they were of no value or worth.
  • hit the deck/dirt The idiom "hit the deck/dirt" is used to describe a quick and sudden action of dropping down, usually onto the ground or floor, in order to avoid danger or protect oneself from harm. It is often used in situations where there is a perceived threat, such as an incoming attack or an imminent danger.
  • dish the dirt (on sb/sth) The idiom "dish the dirt (on sb/sth)" means to share or reveal negative or scandalous information or gossip about someone or something. It refers to exposing secrets or airing out personal or private details in a critical or gossipy manner.
  • dig the dirt The idiom "dig the dirt" typically means to investigate or gather hidden or confidential information about someone, often with the intention of uncovering their secrets or exposing their misconduct.
  • dig some dirt up (on someone) The idiom "dig some dirt up (on someone)" refers to the act of investigating or finding negative or incriminating information about a person, often with the intention of using it against them or exposing their secrets or wrongdoings. It suggests uncovering information that may adversely affect one's reputation or credibility.
  • dish the dirt (on somebody) The idiom "dish the dirt (on somebody)" means to reveal or share gossip or scandalous information about someone, often in a malicious or gossipy manner. It refers to providing details or inside information that may damage someone's reputation or expose their secrets.
  • do someone dirt The idiom "do someone dirt" means to treat someone unfairly, deceive, or betray them. It often refers to actions that harm or damage someone's reputation, relationships, or well-being.
  • treat someone like dirt The idiom "treat someone like dirt" means to treat someone with disrespect, disdain, or contempt, often involving mistreatment or humiliation. It implies showing no regard or value for the person, demeaning their worth, and treating them poorly.
  • curly dirt
  • do (one) dirt(y) To treat someone unfairly or deceitfully; to harm or wrong someone.

Similar spelling words for DIRT

Plural form of DIRT is DIRTS

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