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Dicey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dicey

[ˈdaɪsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a risky situation

risky or uncertain; potentially dangerous

Synonyms

dangerous, risky, uncertain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dicey

Informal situations where you want to describe something that is risky and unpredictable, often with a touch of danger.

  • Driving in that storm was really dicey.
  • It's a dicey investment; you might lose all your money.
risky

Situations where there is a potential for loss or negative outcomes, but not necessarily life-threatening.

  • Starting a new business is always a risky move.
  • Investing in that stock seems a bit risky right now.
uncertain

Situations where the outcome or the future is not known or is unpredictable.

  • The weather for the weekend is uncertain.
  • Her plans for the future remain uncertain.
dangerous

Situations where there is a significant risk of harm or injury.

  • It's dangerous to walk alone at night in that part of town.
  • Handling these chemicals without proper training is dangerous.

Examples of usage

  • It's a bit dicey driving in these icy conditions.
  • The situation is getting a bit dicey now.
Context #2 | Adjective

of poor quality

of poor quality or unreliable

Synonyms

dodgy, shaky, unreliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dicey

Used when something is risky, uncertain, or dangerous, often involving a chance of failure. Commonly used in informal settings.

  • The weather conditions look dicey for flying today
  • It’s a dicey investment that could either pay off big or leave you with nothing
shaky

This word is applicable when referring to something that is unstable, not firm, or lacking in strength and reliability. It can describe physical instability or metaphorical uncertainty.

  • After the earthquake, the structure of the house was very shaky
  • His confidence in public speaking is still quite shaky
unreliable

Used to describe a person, machine, or system that frequently fails to meet expectations or responsibilities. It emphasizes inconsistency and failure to deliver results.

  • The internet connection here is incredibly unreliable
  • He’s an unreliable employee, always missing deadlines and meetings
dodgy

Typically used in British English, this word describes something or someone that is potentially dishonest, unreliable, or unsafe. It implies a degree of untrustworthiness or shadiness.

  • I wouldn’t buy that cheap phone from a dodgy website
  • The deal seemed dodgy, so I decided not to go through with it

Examples of usage

  • I wouldn't buy that car, it looks a bit dicey.
  • He gave me some dicey advice that I didn't trust.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The 1980s popularized dice games, leading to 'dicey' being used in music and movies to describe risky scenarios or reckless characters.
  • In many films and TV shows, characters often find themselves in 'dicey' situations that lead to comedic or dramatic outcomes.
  • The term has appeared in song lyrics as a metaphor for precarious love or life choices.

Psychology

  • People often assess risk by 'playing the odds,' similar to rolling dice, which relates to decision-making under uncertainty.
  • Risk perception can vary widely among individuals based on past experiences and cognitive biases, making 'dicey' situations subjective.
  • Studies show that people are generally more cautious in 'dicey' situations, often leading to avoidance behavior.

Literature

  • Many authors use 'dicey' scenarios to create tension, highlighting characters faced with tough choices and uncertain outcomes.
  • In novels, a 'dicey' situation can serve as a pivotal moment, reflecting internal conflicts or themes of fate and chance.
  • Shakespeare's works often portray 'dicey' scenarios that lead to greater consequences for characters, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.

Origin of 'dicey'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dicey' comes from 'dice,' referring to the game object, and suggests a sense of chance or risk.
  • It emerged in the 1980s, originally as British slang, associated with gambling and unpredictable situations.
  • Despite its modern usage, its roots are linked to games of chance where the outcome is not guaranteed.

The word 'dicey' originated from the noun 'dice,' referring to the small cube used in games of chance. Over time, 'dicey' evolved to describe situations that involve risk or uncertainty. The term became popular in the mid-20th century and is commonly used in informal contexts to convey a sense of danger or unreliability.

See also: dicing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,427, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.