It is common to simply use 'dirty' as the adverb here, ex: He talks dirty.
Other resources say that the adverb is dirtily! I do not believe I've ever heard this used... is it correct?
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dirtily is alright, although you should look up some synonyms for dirt.– user38547Commented Mar 1, 2013 at 21:11
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What about 'and I looked at him so dirtily'– user59506Commented Dec 11, 2013 at 20:53
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3 Answers
Dirtily is the adverb while dirty is used as an adjective or verb. However, to talk dirty is an informal phrase and is always used this way.
talk dirty
informal talk about sex in a coarse or salacious way.
I assume that you wouldn't want to talk about talking dirty in a formal context anyway, so talk dirty should be fine.
answered Mar 17, 2011 at 19:23
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Unless you are a geologist, agriculturalist, or dry cleaner. Then "talk dirty to me" can have less salacious meanings. :^) Commented Aug 30, 2019 at 15:06
Dirtily is correct, but it does sound a bit clunky. A few alternative adverbs: foully, uncleanly, shamefully, basely, vulgarly, coarsely.
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3"Talk foully to me." - It just doesn't roll off the tongue.– user6223Commented Mar 17, 2011 at 20:33
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@user6223: True. In many contexts, "talk dirty" would be the way to go despite its not being grammatically correct. :) Commented Mar 17, 2011 at 20:58
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3you sure? Merriam-Webster says "dirty (adv): in a dirty manner: as a: deceptively, underhandedly <fight dirty>, b: indecently <talk dirty>"– nohatCommented Mar 18, 2011 at 6:16
"Dirtily" is the correct form for the adverb. Think of it this way, "As the miner emerged from days working in the coal mine, he was dressed so DIRTILY I barely recognized him".
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No. Take the time to know what you're talking about. The proper adverb for "dirty" is "dirtily". The proper adverb for "pretty" is "prettily". It's really quite simple if you'd take the time to learn the English language. Commented Aug 30, 2019 at 15:16
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The proper adverb for "dirty" is "dirtily". I concur. Which is why I find the first word of your answer rather odd. Commented Aug 30, 2019 at 15:17