What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yucky
Example
I don't like the taste of this soup, it's yucky. [yucky: adjective]
Example
The garbage can has a yucky smell, let's take it out. [yucky: adjective]
Example
I stepped on something yucky and slimy on the sidewalk. [yucky: adjective]
nasty
Example
That was a nasty fall, are you okay? [nasty: adjective]
Example
The kitchen is a bit nasty, we should clean it up. [nasty: adjective]
Example
He made some nasty comments about her appearance. [nasty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nasty is more commonly used than yucky in everyday language. Nasty is versatile and covers a wide range of negative qualities, while yucky is less common and refers to a more specific type of unpleasant experience.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between yucky and nasty?
Both yucky and nasty are informal and casual words, but nasty can be used in more formal contexts when referring to harmful or malicious behavior.
