seamy

English

Etymology

From seam +‎ -y.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsiːmi/
• Rhymes: -iːmi

Adjective

seamy (comparative seamier, superlative seamiest)

1. Sordid, squalid or corrupt.
   • 2013, Sam Jones, Shiv Malik, “Lou Reed, lead singer of Velvet Undergound, dies aged 71”, in The Guardian Online:

     Lou Reed, lead singer of the Velvet Underground, veteran chronicler of life's wilder, seamier and more desperate side and one of the most influential and distinctive songwriters of his generation has died at the age of 71.

   • 1987, David Brin, The Uplift War, Phantasia Press

     She just hadn't been aware, having considered such tales rather seamy while growing up.

2. Having or showing a seam.
   • 1964, Philip Larkin, ”The Whitsun Weddings”, Faber & Faber

     The fathers with broad belts under their suits

     And seamy foreheads; mothers loud and fat;

Derived terms

• seaminess

Anagrams

• Mayes, Mayse, aymes, samey, syame