I began using "disreputable" to refer to items about 20 years ago (or more).



In context:  "this disreputable sponge" is a kitchen sponge so filthy that all sorts of soap and vinegar will not clean it enough in order to prepare it to clean other things, such as pots and pans or floors.



^ that was the intro:  



recalling reading how-to home maker American Books from the 30's:  flapper to