Calling someone “trashy” is a pretty strong statement, but some people really do earn the adjective.
To be clear, this descriptor has zero to do with how much money someone has or where they’re from; it’s all about attitude, behaviour, and the way they treat other people. It’s that mix of poor manners, lack of self-awareness, and total disregard for respect that makes them truly awful. If you’ve ever encountered someone who just radiates low standards, chances are, they’ve done some of these things.
1. They start drama for no reason.
Some people thrive on chaos, and if they’re constantly stirring up unnecessary arguments, gossiping, or creating problems where there aren’t any, that’s a solid sign of trashy behaviour. Instead of solving issues like an adult, they’d rather throw a tantrum, make everything about them, and drag as many people into the mess as possible. If someone can’t go a week without some kind of drama, chances are, they’re the problem.
2. They have zero respect for other people’s property.
Whether it’s borrowing something and never returning it, damaging other people’s things without an apology, or treating public spaces like their personal dumping ground, this kind of behaviour screams trashy. People who don’t respect what isn’t theirs show a serious lack of maturity. If they have no problem scratching up someone’s car, leaving rubbish in a friend’s house, or vandalising property for fun, that says everything you need to know.
3. They act entitled but never put in the effort.
These people have a weird habit of expecting everything while doing the bare minimum. They feel like the world owes them something, whether it’s free handouts, VIP treatment, or constant attention. They’ll complain about money but refuse to work hard, expect other people to pick up after them, or throw a fit when they don’t get their way. If someone acts like they deserve the best but won’t lift a finger for it, that’s straight-up embarrassing.
4. They have no volume control in public.
We all know that person who acts like they’re the only one in the room, talking at full volume, swearing loudly, or blasting their music on speakerphone with no regard for anyone else. Being obnoxious in public, whether it’s yelling on the phone, arguing in a restaurant, or playing TikToks out loud in a quiet space, shows a total lack of awareness. If they treat every environment like their living room, it’s a sign they never learned basic respect.
5. They constantly mooch off other people.
There’s nothing wrong with needing help now and then, but these people make it a lifestyle. They never offer to pay for anything, always ‘forget’ their wallet, and expect other people to cover them without ever returning the favour. They love free rides, free meals, and free favours but go mysteriously quiet when it’s their turn to contribute. If someone never pitches in but always has their hand out, they’re just using people.
6. They talk down to service workers.
One of the clearest signs of a trashy person is how they treat people in customer service. If they snap at waiters, act rude to cashiers, or throw a tantrum when they don’t get special treatment, they’re showing their true colours. People who think they’re above everyone else just because they’re the customer are cringeworthy. If someone thinks being rude makes them powerful, it actually just makes them look insecure and classless.
7. They air their dirty laundry all over social media.
Some people treat social media like their personal therapy session, posting every single argument, grudge, or meltdown for the world to see. Whether it’s calling out their ex, oversharing personal drama, or picking fights in the comments section, it’s all trashy behaviour. Not everything needs to be a public spectacle. If someone treats their online profile like a reality show, it usually means they live for attention and don’t know how to handle issues like an adult.
8. They can’t go five minutes without being negative.
These people love to complain about everything. They criticise people, whine about their problems without ever trying to fix them, and find fault in everything around them. Instead of being grateful for what they have, they choose to be bitter, jealous, and constantly looking for someone to blame. If someone’s entire personality is based on being negative, they’re exhausting to be around.
9. They brag about being toxic.
There’s a difference between having flaws and being proud of them. Some people actually think being a “heartbreaker,” “toxic,” or “petty” is a personality trait worth flexing. If someone brags about cheating, ghosting, or treating people badly like it’s a joke, that’s a massive red flag. There’s nothing funny or cool about being a walking red flag; it’s just a sign of low self-awareness and emotional immaturity.
10. They never take responsibility for their behaviour.
If something goes wrong, these people will blame literally anyone but themselves. Whether it’s dodging accountability, making excuses, or playing the victim, they refuse to admit when they’re wrong. They’ll start fights, create drama, and then act like they did nothing wrong. If someone never owns up to their mistakes, it’s a sign they haven’t grown up yet.
11. They treat their kids or pets like accessories.
Some people have kids or pets but seem more interested in using them for social media clout than actually taking care of them. Whether it’s neglecting their pet’s basic needs or treating their kids like props, it’s peak trashy behaviour. If someone can’t handle the responsibility of looking after another living being but still insists on getting one for the attention, they shouldn’t have them in the first place.
12. They get aggressive when they drink.
Not everyone can handle alcohol, and trashy people tend to take it way too far. If someone turns into a loud, obnoxious, or even violent mess every time they drink, it’s a clear sign they lack self-control. Being the person who starts fights, embarrasses their friends, or gets kicked out of places because they can’t handle their liquor is never a good look.
13. They overspend on pointless things while not fulfilling their responsibilities.
Source: Unsplash It’s one thing to treat yourself, but trashy people will drop money on designer brands, expensive nights out, or flashy things while ignoring bills, debts, and responsibilities. Bragging about expensive purchases while struggling to afford rent or asking other people for money isn’t just irresponsible, it’s embarrassing. If someone’s priorities are all over the place, it’s a sign they’re more about appearances than actual stability.
14. They treat loyalty like an option.
Whether it’s in friendships or relationships, trashy people have no concept of loyalty. They talk behind people’s backs, flirt with other people while in a relationship, and ditch their friends the moment something better comes along. They only care about people when it benefits them, and they’ll drop someone in a second if they think they can gain something from it. If you can’t trust someone to be loyal, they’re not worth keeping around.
