What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scuzzy
Example
I don't want to eat at that scuzzy diner. [scuzzy: adjective]
Example
The scuzzy motel was infested with bedbugs. [scuzzy: adjective]
Example
He's a scuzzy guy who can't be trusted. [scuzzy: noun]
sleazy
Example
The sleazy nightclub was full of shady characters. [sleazy: adjective]
Example
She wore a sleazy dress that left little to the imagination. [sleazy: adjective]
Example
He's a sleazy politician who takes bribes. [sleazy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sleazy is more commonly used than scuzzy in everyday language. Sleazy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scuzzy is less common and refers to a specific type of dirtiness or grime.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scuzzy and sleazy?
Both scuzzy and sleazy are informal and colloquial words that are not appropriate for formal situations. However, sleazy is generally considered more intense and severe than scuzzy, making it even less appropriate for formal contexts.