When you think of something unclean or dirty what comes to mind? Perhaps your nemesis is up to no good? Are you trying to let someone you are fighting with know that you can be as savage as they are? If so, grimey is a great word to use in each of these situations. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Grimey has a few different meanings depending on the context and the speaker. One meaning is that it is something that is dirty or unclean. It also means that a person or action is mean or savage. Many people will agree that being grimey is the same as being trifling or mean-spirited.
Being selfish can also be considered grimey, in general, it means that someone or something is wrong. Every iteration of the word and its usage has a negative connotation. Being willing to fight either verbally or physically is another common meaning of grimey in lower-income areas.
Example Usage
“The side of that car is grimey with dirt and unwashed refuse”.
“Chasing after her boyfriend just because they got in a fight is pretty grimey of you”.
“That girl we ran into at the party was grimey as hell”.
“It’s pretty grimey to say you will help out but then back out at the last minute”.
“Getting grimey by playing around in the dirt is not the best way to impress your grandma”.
“He is acting so grimey, but if he thinks that I don’t know about it he is in for a surprise”.
“Taking her secrets and giving them to her enemies is true grimey behavior”.
Origin
Grimey has been around for quite some time. The original word came from the word grim, which is a Middle English word. It was initially recorded in 1250 all the way through the 1300s. The Old English use of the word was grima, which means to mask, specifically with dust. Even at its earliest, the word carried the meaning of filth, dirt, and uncleanliness.
The phrase or slang grimey got a modern makeover late in the 1980s. Urban youth mainly in the POC community began using the word to describe backstabbing behavior. It was mainly used in places like Baltimore and New York but was also used in the Deep South. Grimey became the go-to term for shady behavior, backstabbing activities, and savagery.
Phrases Similar to Grimey
- Dirty
- Trifling
- Backstabber
- Ratchet
- Ghetto
- F’ed Up
Phrases Opposite to Grimey
- Hype
- Dope
- Spick and span
- Up and Up
- Good looking out
What is the Correct Saying?
- Grimey – Dirty or messed up.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Grimey
Grimy means something negative in every form of the word. The only time it means otherwise is when speaking about the reggae style of music. Even then, the word refers to the darker side of life. Some improper usages are:
- He was getting down and grimey with that chick last night.
- Hey, are look cute and grimey in that outfit.
- I don’t like how grimey late he is every day to pick me up.
- Are you going to give her flowers for her birthday? That’s pretty grimey.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Grimey
- That mirror is so grimey it is hard to get a clear reflection.
- Telling John you are not going to say anything and then telling his parents is pretty grimey.
- If you want to tussle, I can get just as grimey as you.
- Don’t think that you are the only person who can play dirty, I get grimey too.
- Don’t mess with those bullies in the next school over, they are not afraid to get down and grimey if they think you are challenging them.
- Rubbing itching powder on her dress before the dance is so grimey.
- Messing with her boyfriend while she is out of town is grimey behavior for a friend.