I. ˈnastē, -aas-, -ais-, -ȧs-, -ti adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English
1.
a. : filthy to the point of exciting disgust
nasty living conditions
b. : exciting physical repugnance : vile
a nasty taste
nasty food
nasty medicine
2.
a. : morally reprehensible : indecent , obscene
nasty language
b. : lacking the decencies of good taste : grossly indelicate
nasty literature
specifically : crudely or immaturely preoccupied with matters of sex
a nasty book
c. : devoid of real value : tawdry , cheap
using cheap and nasty articles and living a cheap and nasty life — G.B.Shaw
3.
a. : extremely difficult, hazardous, or threatening
nasty storms
a nasty tide rip
a nasty crossfire
b. : excessively unpleasant, uncomfortable, or awkward
would not go again in that nasty little clipper ship … where the passengers were cooped up — George Santayana
4.
a. : difficult to understand, handle, or solve : vexatious
a nasty question
b. : psychologically unsettling : disturbing
the nasty realization that money has run out
5.
a. : characterized by a sharp lack of sportsmanship, generosity, or good nature : mean
a nasty trick
a nasty disposition
b. : prone to display pretty maliciousness : snide
nasty underpaid clerks
c. : socially offensive : ill-bred , oafish
nasty little urchins
Synonyms: see dirty
II. transitive verb
chiefly dialect : to get dirty : soil
don't nasty your new dress