Word
trashy
US/ˈtɹæʃi/
UK/tɹˈæʃi/
Definition
adj. describing something that is low quality, cheap, or in bad taste. You use this for things like bad TV shows or books that are entertaining but not very smart.
adj. of poor quality, cheap, or culturally inferior. Often used to describe media or objects that are considered vulgar or lacking in artistic merit despite being popular or entertaining.
Examples
“I love watching trashy reality TV shows after work.”
“The hotel room was filled with trashy novels left behind by previous guests.”
“Critics dismissed the film as trashy entertainment, yet it developed a massive cult following among viewers who appreciated its campy aesthetic and over-the-top performances.”
Examples
simple
“I love watching trashy reality TV shows after work.”
contextual
“The hotel room was filled with trashy novels left behind by previous guests.”
complex
“Critics dismissed the film as trashy entertainment, yet it developed a massive cult following among viewers who appreciated its campy aesthetic and over-the-top performances.”
Usage
Typically used as a gradable adjective; often follows linking verbs like 'is' or 'seems'.
Etymology
From trash + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/trashy