Dirt poor

usgb
adjective

Very poor, having little or no money or possessions.

He grew up in a dirt poor family which struggled to afford everyday expenses.
Visual representation of "dirt poor" - Very poor, having little or no money or possessions

Often appears as...

  • live dirt poor
  • dirt poor family

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "dirt poor"
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Emotional Weight

The phrase carries a strong emotional charge, emphasizing a tough situation.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
Even though he's now successful, his past as a dirt poor child still affects him.
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Informal Tone

Used in casual conversations; may be disrespectful in formal contexts.

Illustration for Informal Tone
She jokingly referred to her college days, saying she was dirt poor.
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Cultural Nuance

Often implies a rural or humble upbringing in cultural representations.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
In his autobiography, he recounts his dirt poor origins on a small farm.
Visual representation of the word "Dirt poor"

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