seamy
pronunciation
How to pronounce seamy in British English:
UK [ˈsi:mi]
How to pronounce seamy in American English:
US [ˈsimi]
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- Adjective:
- morally degraded
Word Origin
- seamy (adj.)
- c. 1600, "least pleasant, worst," in figurative phrase seamy side, from seam + -y (2); the seamy side of a sewn garment being the less attractive, and thus typically turned in. The popularity of the figurative sense likely is due to its use by Shakespeare in "Othello" IV.ii.146: "Some such Squire he was That turn'd your wits the seamy-side without, And made you to suspect me with the Moore."
Example
- 1. The seamy side of life includes crime and other evils .
- 2. What is your seamy side ?
- 3. Trafficking of people and smuggling of drugs or guns are the seamy side of globalisation .
- 4. What does your seamy side tell you ?
- 5. For a vicarious glimpse into seamy small town intrigue , you can 't beat this one .