What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sleazy
Example
The motel had a sleazy reputation for attracting unsavory characters. [sleazy: adjective]
Example
The salesman tried to sell me a sleazy used car that was clearly in poor condition. [sleazy: adjective]
trashy
Example
The reality TV show was criticized for being trashy and promoting negative stereotypes. [trashy: adjective]
Example
She was wearing a trashy outfit that revealed too much skin. [trashy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Both words are informal and colloquial, but trashy is more commonly used in everyday language than sleazy. Trashy is also more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sleazy and trashy?
Neither sleazy nor trashy are formal words, but sleazy is generally considered more negative and inappropriate for formal settings than trashy.
