Dicey: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dicey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arriscado

🇮🇳 जोखिम भरा

🇩🇪 riskant

🇮🇩 berisiko

🇺🇦 ризикований

🇵🇱 ryzykowny

🇯🇵 危険な（きけんな）

🇫🇷 risqué

🇪🇸 arriesgado

🇹🇷 riskli

🇰🇷 위험한 (wiheomhan)

🇸🇦 خطير

🇨🇿 rizikový

🇸🇰 riskantný

🇨🇳 危险的 (wēixiǎn de)

🇸🇮 tvegan

🇮🇸 áhættu

🇰🇿 қауіпті

🇬🇪 სარისკო

🇦🇿 riskli

🇲🇽 arriesgado

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.

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36424 oversimplifying
36425 hearten
36426 slaughterer
36427 dicey
36428 precursory
36429 scarier
36430 tomcat
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