dirty fingernails vs filthy fingernails

Examples:

• After working in the garden, she had dirty fingernails.
• He always had dirty fingernails from working on cars.
• She scrubbed her hands to remove the dirt and reveal clean, pink nails underneath the dirty fingernails.
• The mechanic's hands were covered in grease, with dirty fingernails to match.
• The child's mother scolded him for having dirty fingernails after playing outside.

Alternatives:

• unclean fingernails
• soiled fingernails
• grimy fingernails
• muddy fingernails
• stained fingernails

Examples:

• After playing in the mud, the children had filthy fingernails.
• The neglected patient had long, unkempt hair and filthy fingernails.
• She recoiled at the sight of his filthy fingernails, wondering when he had last washed his hands.
• The mechanic's hands were not just greasy but also had filthy fingernails, indicating a lack of hygiene.
• The detective noticed the suspect's filthy fingernails, a detail that added to his suspicions.

Alternatives:

• dirty fingernails
• unclean fingernails
• soiled fingernails
• grimy fingernails
• muddy fingernails