A slob is a person who is messy, disorganized, or careless about cleanliness and appearance. A slob might leave dirty dishes piled in the sink for days, drop clothes all over the bedroom floor, or show up to important events wearing wrinkled, stained clothing.

The word carries a tone of disapproval. When someone calls another person a slob, they're criticizing a pattern of not caring about order or neatness. A kid who forgets to make the bed one morning isn't being a slob, but someone who never picks up their belongings, leaves trash everywhere, and doesn't bother cleaning up after themselves fits the description.

Slobbish behavior affects others too. Roommates get frustrated with slobs who leave shared spaces messy. Teachers notice when students turn in sloppy work with smudges and crumpled edges. The word suggests someone isn't putting in basic effort to maintain reasonable standards.

Interestingly, the word can sometimes be used with affection among friends or family, like when a brother teases his sister about being a slob after she leaves her backpack and shoes in the middle of the hallway. But generally, being called a slob is not a compliment.