What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smutty
Example
The comedian's smutty jokes made the audience uncomfortable. [smutty: adjective]
Example
The book was filled with smutty references and innuendos. [smutty: adjective]
obscene
Example
The movie was banned for its obscene content. [obscene: adjective]
Example
The comedian's jokes were so obscene that many people walked out of the show. [obscene: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obscene is more commonly used than smutty in everyday language. Obscene is a stronger word that covers a wider range of contexts, while smutty is less common and refers to content that is sexually suggestive or lewd.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smutty and obscene?
Both smutty and obscene are informal words that are typically used in casual conversations or informal settings. However, obscene is more likely to be used in formal contexts, such as legal or academic writing, due to its legal implications and stronger connotations.