Antihygienic

/ˌæntihaɪˈdʒiːnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Not promoting cleanliness or health; opposed to good hygiene practices.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + hygienic (relating to health and cleanliness). Hygienic derives from Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health. The term became common in the late 1800s as germ theory made hygiene a scientific concern.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, people once thought fresh air was 'antihygienic' because they feared it carried diseases—but it was actually the opposite, as poor ventilation spread germs in crowded spaces.

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