Dodginess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dodginess

[หˆdษ’dส’iหnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

character

The quality of being deceptive or unreliable; suspiciousness.

Synonyms

deceptiveness, suspiciousness, unreliability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dodginess

This word is often used to describe a situation or a person that seems untrustworthy or shady. It can be used in a casual conversation or in informal writing.

  • There was a certain dodginess about the deal that made me uneasy.
  • I don't trust him; his dodginess is too obvious to ignore.
deceptiveness

Used when emphasizing the act of deceiving or misleading someone. It is often found in more formal contexts such as reports, articles, or discussions about trust and ethics.

  • The deceptiveness of the advertisement led many people to buy the product.
  • Her seemingly friendly demeanor hid a deep deceptiveness.
unreliability

Used to describe the quality of being unreliable, often referring to things, systems, or people that cannot be depended upon. Common in both formal and informal settings.

  • The unreliability of the train service caused many delays.
  • Her unreliability with deadlines has become a serious issue at work.
suspiciousness

This word denotes a tendency to be wary or skeptical. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts to describe a person's behavior or a general sense of distrust.

  • His constant suspiciousness about others makes it hard for him to make friends.
  • There was a growing suspiciousness among the staff regarding the new manager's decisions.

Examples of usage

  • He was always wary of the dodginess of used car salesmen.
  • The dodginess of his behavior raised concerns among his colleagues.
  • The dodginess of the deal made him hesitant to proceed.
  • The dodginess of the website made him question its legitimacy.
  • She sensed a hint of dodginess in his excuses.
  • The dodginess of the situation made her uneasy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often exhibit dodginess when feeling threatened or cornered, as a defensive mechanism.
  • Research shows that individuals with dodgy behaviors may have deeper psychological issues, such as anxiety or a fear of rejection.
  • Cognitive dissonance can lead to dodginess; when people's actions contradict their beliefs, they may become evasive or deceptive.

Social Dynamics

  • Dodginess can be a survival strategy in high-stakes environments, such as business negotiations where honesty isn't always rewarded.
  • In competitive social settings, individuals may use dodgy tactics to gain an advantage or protect their image.
  • Cultural norms influence perceptions of dodginessโ€”what's considered evasive in one culture might be seen as tactful in another.

Pop Culture

  • Dodginess has been a common theme in films and television, where characters often navigate morally gray areas, such as con artists or spies.
  • The word is frequently used in British television comedies, providing humor through characters who epitomize sneaky behavior.
  • Popular music often uses dodgy characters as metaphors for betrayal or untrustworthiness in relationships.

Law and Ethics

  • In legal contexts, dodginess may present risks of fraud, leading to significant repercussions for those involved.
  • Debates about ethical business practices often highlight dodginess as a key concern, especially in markets lacking regulation.
  • Studies suggest that environments promoting transparency reduce dodginess among stakeholders, encouraging accountability.

Origin of 'dodginess'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'dodgy' likely comes from the word 'dodge,' which means to avoid something or someone.
  • The suffix '-ness' is used to form nouns indicating a state or condition, so 'dodginess' refers to the state of being dodgy.
  • It became popular in British English in the late 20th century to describe people or situations that seem untrustworthy.

The word 'dodginess' originates from the verb 'dodge,' which means to avoid something by a sudden quick movement. Over time, 'dodginess' evolved to describe the quality of being deceptive or unreliable. The term is commonly used in informal settings to convey suspicion or distrust towards a person, situation, or object.


See also: dodge, dodger, dodging, dodgy.