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dirty down

C1 neutral separable transitive

To deliberately make a costume, set, or prop look dirty, worn, or naturally aged for film, theatre, or photography purposes.

In plain English

To make something like a costume or a movie set look realistically dirty and worn-out on purpose.

What does "dirty down" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 neutral

In film, theatre, or photography: to deliberately add dirt, grime, and wear to a costume, prop, or set to make it look realistically aged or used.

"The costume designer dirtied down the soldier's uniform to make it look like it had been worn through a battle."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To apply dirt downward onto a surface to reduce its clean appearance.

Actually means

To make something like a costume or a movie set look realistically dirty and worn-out on purpose.

Usage tip

Specialist term used in film, television, and theatre production — specifically by costume, set design, and make-up departments. Not used in general everyday speech. May also be applied to make-up for actors playing aged or rough characters.

Words that pair with "dirty down"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

costume set prop make-up walls clothing

How to conjugate "dirty down"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
dirty down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dirties down
he/she/it
Past simple
dirtied down
yesterday
Past participle
dirtied down
have + pp
-ing form
dirtying down
continuous

Hear "dirty down" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "dirty down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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