Dirty facts for kids
The word dirty has several meanings, but it usually means something is not clean or has been messed up. It can describe something covered in dirt, like muddy shoes. But "dirty" can also describe actions or ideas that are unfair, dishonest, or not quite right.
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What Does "Dirty" Mean?
The most common meaning of "dirty" is being covered in dirt, dust, or other messy things. When something is dirty, it needs to be cleaned to make it tidy again. For example, your clothes might get dirty after playing outside, or a car might get dirty from driving on dusty roads.
Dirty in Everyday Life
Think about your room. If it's dirty, it means there are clothes on the floor, dust on the shelves, or things are out of place. Cleaning up makes it "not dirty" anymore. This is the simple, physical meaning of the word.
Why Things Get Dirty
Things get dirty for many reasons. Dust settles, mud splashes, or food spills. Regular cleaning helps keep our homes, clothes, and bodies from getting too dirty.
Beyond Just Not Clean
The word "dirty" can also describe things that are not physically messy but are unfair, dishonest, or incorrect.
Dirty Play in Sports
In sports, "dirty play" means breaking the rules in a sneaky or unfair way. For example, a player might trip an opponent on purpose when the referee isn't looking. This is considered dirty because it goes against the spirit of fair competition.
Dirty Tricks in Politics
Sometimes, people talk about "dirty tricks" in politics. This means using dishonest or unfair methods to win an election or gain power. It could involve spreading false rumors about an opponent or cheating in some way. These actions are seen as "dirty" because they are not honest or ethical.
Dirty Data in Computers
In the world of computers, "dirty data" means information that is incorrect, incomplete, or duplicated. Imagine a list of names where some names are spelled wrong or some people are listed twice. This "dirty data" can cause problems when trying to use or analyze the information.
Dirty Cache in Computing
A "dirty cache" is another computer term. A cache is like a temporary storage area for data that a computer uses often. If the data in the cache has been changed but not yet saved to its permanent location, it's called "dirty." This means the computer needs to save the updated information soon.
Images for kids
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The great dust heap of London at Battle Bridge in 1836, next to the Smallpox Hospital
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Dirty Dicks is a Bishopsgate pub named after Dirty Dick who once owned it and was notoriously filthy.
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Dirt covered Sidewalk in Brooklyn, NYC being swept during a community clean-up.
See also
In Spanish: Suciedad para niños
