smut
UK[smʌt]US[smʌt]
n
a small flake or piece of soot or dirt.
n
obscene or lascivious talk, writing, or pictures.
v
to mark or become marked with smut.
Etymology
the word 'smut' entered modern english from middle low german 'smut', meaning dirt or smudge. its ultimate origin is obscure but is likely onomatopoeic or expressive, imitating the sound or action of something being smeared or soiled. the core meaning of a black mark or dirt naturally extended metaphorically to describe morally 'soiled' or obscene material. this semantic shift from physical filth to moral or verbal filth is a common pattern in many languages.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is a low germanic word of uncertain, possibly imitative or expressive, origin.
Examples
a smut of soot landed on the freshly washed linen.
the novel was banned in several countries for alleged smut.
the damp conditions caused the wheat to smut, ruining the crop.