dirty laundry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dirty laundry’ mean?
The idiom dirty laundry refers to someone's private or embarrassing personal matters that one would not want others to know about or discuss publicly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "laundry list" refers to a long or extensive list of items, tasks, or problems, often overwhelming or tedious to deal with.
The idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" means to keep one's thoughts, plans, or intentions secret or hidden in order to maintain an advantage or not reveal too much information.
The idiom "it's none of your business" means that a person should not interfere or ask about something that does not concern them.
An idiom meaning a controversial issue or situation that is difficult to handle, and often passed quickly from person to person to avoid dealing with it.
The idiom "hide the sausage" is used to describe secret or illicit sexual activity, particularly when the activity is being concealed or kept hidden from others. It is considered vulgar and not suitable for polite conversation.
The idiom "get the dirty water off one's chest" means to confess or reveal something that has been bothering or troubling someone, in order to feel a sense of relief or release from the burden.
The idiom "get one's hands dirty" means to become involved in or participate in a task that is unpleasant or morally questionable. It implies being willing to do the necessary work, regardless of how it may affect one's reputation or conscience.
The idiom "get off one's chest" means to express or confess something that has been bothering or troubling someone, typically in order to provide relief or a sense of release.
The idiom "family jewels" refers to a person's most valuable possessions or assets, typically inherited or passed down through generations.
The idiom "family jewels" has multiple interpretations. One meaning is a colloquial expression referring to male genitalia, specifically the testicles. This slang usage is typically employed in a humorous or irreverent manner.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
"Behind Closed Doors"
Dirty laundry is an idiom commonly used in American English to describe someone's personal and private matters, especially embarrassing or scandalous information. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of the words, with laundry representing the process of washing clothes and "dirty" indicating that the clothes are soiled or unclean. In a figurative sense, "dirty laundry" refers to aspects of a person's life that they prefer to keep hidden.
The idiom "dirty laundry" can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the first recorded use of the phrase appearing in a newspaper article in 1914. Since then, it has become widely recognized and is now an established part of the English language.
Dirty laundry is often used in the context of gossip or media coverage of individuals or public figures. It is frequently seen in headlines or tabloid articles that aim to expose scandals or reveal personal information. The idiom suggests that the information being discussed is not meant to be shared openly or publicly.
While the idiom typically refers to personal matters, it can also be used more broadly to describe any type of sensitive or controversial information. For example, discussions about the inner workings of a company or the details of a political scandal may also be referred to as "dirty laundry."
The use of the idiom "dirty laundry" carries negative connotations and often implies a sense of shame or impropriety. It suggests a need for secrecy or a desire to avoid public scrutiny. The phrase can also evoke curiosity and intrigue, as people are naturally drawn to scandalous or titillating information.
A related idiom is "air one's dirty linen in public," which means to discuss or reveal one's private problems or conflicts in a public setting. This phrase emphasizes the idea of airing out personal matters that should remain private. It suggests a lack of discretion or a willingness to share intimate details with others.
Another related idiom is "dish the dirt," which means to gossip or share scandalous information about someone. This phrase highlights the act of spreading rumors or divulging secrets that may be considered damaging or embarrassing. It implies a desire to expose or tarnish someone's reputation.
Similarly, the idiom "get the dirty water off one's chest" refers to the act of confessing or revealing something that has been weighing heavily on someone's mind. It emphasizes the need to release or unload a burden of guilt or secrets. This phrase suggests a sense of relief and catharsis that comes from sharing something that has been kept hidden.
Lastly, the idiom "dirty work" is used to describe tasks or activities that are considered unpleasant, unethical, or morally questionable. It refers to actions or responsibilities that others may find distasteful or undesirable. This phrase implies a sense of involvement in shady or deceitful behavior.
The idiom "dirty laundry" refers to personal or private matters that someone wishes to keep hidden. It has a long history and is commonly used in American English. The phrase carries connotations of shame and secrecy, often associated with scandalous or embarrassing information. As with any idiom, its usage may vary depending on the context, but the underlying meaning remains the same.
Example usage
1. She aired her dirty laundry on social media, sharing all of her personal problems with the world.
2. The celebrity's dirty laundry was exposed by tabloid magazines, revealing scandalous secrets about their personal life.
3. It's best to keep your dirty laundry to yourself and not gossip about others behind their backs.