A dirty look Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɝti/ /ˈɫʊk

uh DUR-tee LOOK

UK

æɪ/ /dˈɜːti/ /lˈʊk

uh DUR-tee LOOK

Definition

A facial expression showing anger, disapproval, or dislike towards someone.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal phrase. Often used with verbs like 'give' or 'shoot' ('give someone a dirty look'). Implies communication through facial expression rather than words. Not about literal dirtiness, but negative emotion.

• Spanish: mala cara - mirada fulminante
• Portuguese (BR): olhar feio - olhar de reprovação
• Portuguese (PT): olhar feio - olhar reprovador
• Chinese (Simplified): 白眼 - 怒视
• Chinese (Traditional): 白眼 - 怒視
• Hindi: ग़ुस्से से देखना - घूरना
• Arabic: نظرة غاضبة - نظرة احتقار
• Bengali: তির্যক তাকানো - বাঁকা চোখে দেখা
• Russian: косой взгляд - недоброжелательный взгляд
• Japanese: 冷たい視線 - 睨むような目つき
• Vietnamese: ánh nhìn khó chịu - cái nhìn giận dữ
• Korean: 차가운 시선 - 째려보기
• Turkish: ters bakış - pis bakış
• Urdu: غصے سے دیکھنا - نفرت بھری نظر
• Indonesian: tatapan sinis - tatapan kesal

Example Sentences

She gave me a dirty look when I arrived late.

basic

Don't give your brother a dirty look.

basic

The teacher shot me a dirty look for talking.

basic

He rolled his eyes and gave her a dirty look.

natural

If you keep texting in class, the professor will probably shoot you a dirty look.

natural

I knew I was in trouble when my mom shot me a dirty look across the table.

natural