The Real Meaning of a “Dirty Thirty” Birthday

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Plus, other interesting “dirty 30” definitions throughout history
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Your “dirty thirties” might sound like a bad thing (especially if you’re not fond of growing older), but is that what this expression really means? “Dirty thirty” used to refer to the idea of women becoming more sexually confident and active in their 30s, but today, it’s a broad slang term that refers to anyone having fun and living their best life in their 30s. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a “dirty thirty” birthday is and how people feel about it, plus share some other interesting (and surprising!) definitions of “dirty thirty” from history, party games, and even the air force.

What does “dirty thirty” mean?

“Dirty thirty” or “the dirty thirties” refer to when someone turns 30 and becomes more sexually active, adventurous, or confident. It originally applied to women who felt more sexually liberated as they got older, but can now be used for anyone thriving in their 30s. A “dirty 30” can also mean a 30th birthday party.

Section 1 of 3:

What is a “dirty thirty” birthday?

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  1. The thinking goes that when a woman reaches her 30s, she’s more confident, knows what she wants and needs sexually, and is still in the prime of her life. The “dirty thirties” are a time to feel liberated and create the sex life you want on your terms. [1]
    • “Welcome to your dirty thirties!”
    • “Jane had her dirty 30th and now there’s no stopping her! Honestly, I’m jealous.”
  2. “Dirty” isn’t strictly sexual anymore and is slang for “fun” (which could still definitely include sexual activities, but to each their own!). “Dirty 30” also doesn’t just apply to women anymore—anyone of any gender can celebrate their dirty thirtieth birthday or enjoy their dirty 30s. There’s a misconception that turning 30 means your life becomes less fun or adventurous, so anyone who’s proving that stereotype wrong is doing their dirty 30s right!
    • “Your life seems so cool! You’re really doing your dirty 30s right.”
    • “Gentlemen, here’s to the birthday boy and the dirty thirties!”
    • Fun fact: The fact that “dirty” and “thirty” rhyme so well probably helped “dirty thirty” become a well-known slang phrase that’s separate from the purely sexual meaning.
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  3. “Dirty thirty” is a popular theme for 30th birthdays (you’ve probably seen the hashtag #dirty30 in Instagram captions before) since 30 is kind of a weird milestone. You’re not in your wild and less mature 20s anymore, but your 30s are far from “old”—there’s still a lot of fun to have! A dirty 30th birthday party is the perfect occasion to let loose, have some fun, and celebrate the fact that your life does not end after your 20s.
    • “Happy dirty 30! We’re going out BIG tonight!”
    • “30 never looked so dirty 🍾🤩 #dirtythirty”
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Section 2 of 3:

Is it bad to wish someone a “happy dirty thirty”?

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  1. In general, wishing someone a happy “dirty” 30th birthday is just a fun way to acknowledge a milestone or post a (somewhat cliché) caption with a birthday photo. However, some people think that “dirty thirty” is overused and that it feels cringey when someone says or posts about it (especially if the person or celebration is not super fun, adventurous, or “dirty” themselves).
    • “Dirty thirty” may also be offensive or inappropriate to some people. Some women interpret the original meaning as suggesting women in their 30s become more sexually active out of “desperation” or to feel younger (making the expression seem less empowering and more discouraging).
Section 3 of 3:

Other “Dirty Thirty” Meanings

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  1. 1
    The Dust Bowl of the 1930s In the 1930s, a severe drought struck the Midwest and southern plains of the United States and dried up the topsoil, leading to massive and devastating dust storms. These “black blizzards” darkened the sky and caused dust to settle on the ground like snow, leading to the nickname “the Dirty 30s” for the decade. [2]
  2. 2
    A 30-milligram oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl or other drugs In drug world, a “dirty 30” refers to a 30-mg oxycodone (Percocet) pill that’s been cut with fentanyl, heroin, or other drugs with a pill press. These pills are incredibly dangerous since they’re made to resemble genuine medication and the user may or may not know if they contain other illegal drugs. [3]
  3. 3
    A case of 30 cheap beers “Dirty 30” can also refer to a 30-rack (a case of thirty 12-oz beer cans) of cheap beer like Miller Lite, Keystone Light, PBR, or whatever you like. These light beers are often bought to play drinking games that require a lot of beer, like beer pong or flip cup . Since no one’s really savoring the taste, these beers are considered cheap and “dirty.”
    • “Dirty thirty” could also refer to a drinking game where players take a shot of beer every minute for 30 minutes (it’s like doing a power hour , but cut in half).
  4. 4
    A 30-minute power nap A quick power nap might be called a “dirty thirty” since you’re just taking a quick, not-super-restful rest to go on with your day. Sometimes, this also includes some quick masturbation before the nap (adding to the overall “dirtiness”).
  5. 5
    A group of US army pilots during the Vietnam War In 1962, 30 US Air Force (USAF) pilots were sent to fly with the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) 43rd Air Transport Group as advisors and co-pilots. Pilots were on duty 24/7 and performed 40-50 missions per month, meaning many of them basically lived in their flight suits most of the time. Another officer commented on how “dirty” the pilots were as a result, and they adopted the nickname “The Dirty Thirty.” [4]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/columns/dirty-thirties-not-a-myth/
      2. ↑ https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/dust-bowl
      3. ↑ https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/rochester-man-pleads-guilty-fentanyl-and-heroin-trafficking
      4. ↑ https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/28/2001722966/-1/-1/0/01-ILL_HIST_FRONT-CH02_(PAGES_I-36).PDF

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