Dodgy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dodgy

[ˈdɒdʒi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

informal

Dishonest or unreliable; of low quality or in bad condition.

Synonyms

questionable, shady, suspicious, untrustworthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dodgy	Use this word when referring to something potentially unsafe or unreliable, often in casual speech. That old bridge looks a bit dodgy to walk on. He has a dodgy record; I wouldn't trust him.
untrustworthy	Apply this word to describe someone or something that cannot be trusted, typically used in a serious or negative context. He is known to be untrustworthy and often lies. She kept her distance from him because he appeared untrustworthy.
shady	This word is used to describe something or someone with dishonest or illegal intentions, often in an informal and slightly negative way. There are some shady characters hanging around the alley. He has a shady past that nobody talks about.
suspicious	Use this word when expressing a feeling that something is wrong or someone is behaving dishonestly, often implying a cautious or negative view. The police found his behavior highly suspicious. She gave him a suspicious look when he couldn't explain where he'd been.
questionable	Apply this word when doubting the validity, quality, or correctness of something, often in formal or neutral situations. The company's financial practices are highly questionable. She reached a questionable decision without consulting anyone.

Examples of usage

I don't trust him, he seems a bit dodgy.
The dodgy salesman tried to sell me a broken phone.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

British slang

Not safe or secure; likely to cause problems or be dangerous.

Synonyms

hazardous, precarious, risky, unsafe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dodgy	Informal context, often used to describe something or someone suspicious, unreliable, or of low quality. That street looks dodgy, maybe we should avoid walking there at night. He gave me a dodgy excuse for being late.
unsafe	Used to generally describe situations, places, or conditions that are not safe, usually in a direct and clear manner. This building is unsafe and needs to be repaired. The water here is unsafe to drink.
risky	Describes actions or situations that involve exposure to danger, harm, or loss. Often used in both formal and informal contexts. Investing in that startup is a risky move. Base jumping is considered a risky sport.
precarious	Used to describe situations or positions that are unstable or insecure, often implying that they could become worse or lead to danger. She was in a precarious position, balancing on the edge of the cliff. The company's financial situation has become precarious.
hazardous	Used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that poses a significant danger or risk to health or safety. The factory workers were exposed to hazardous chemicals. Driving in such severe weather conditions is hazardous.

Examples of usage

The old bridge looks a bit dodgy, I wouldn't walk on it.
The weather seems a bit dodgy for sailing today.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

In British pop culture, the term is often used in films and television to describe shady characters or dubious deals.
Music often references 'dodgy' characters, especially in genres critiquing societal issues, showing its cultural resonance.
It appears in humorous contexts where something is off or too good to be true, enhancing the comedic effect.

Psychology

People often perceive 'dodgy' behavior as a signal of a lack of transparency, which can trigger feelings of distrust.
Smaller cues or inconsistencies in a person's story can lead others to label them as 'dodgy,' highlighting how perception shapes trust.
The concept ties into cognitive biases, where individuals overemphasize the significance of 'dodgy' traits in assessing fears and risks.

Literature

Many literary works depict 'dodgy' characters as unreliable narrators, creating suspense and intrigue in stories.
The use of 'dodgy' can reflect moral ambiguity in literature, often allowing readers to question what is right or wrong.
In detective fiction, 'dodgy' clues lead characters away from the truth, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.

Pop Culture

Shows like 'The Office' and 'Peaky Blinders' utilize 'dodgy' characters to add a layer of humor or tension.
In memes and social media, calling an action or decision 'dodgy' has become shorthand for expressing skepticism.
Video games often portray 'dodgy' characters as antagonists, using it to heighten the experience of danger or tension.

Origin of 'dodgy'

Main points about word origin

The word 'dodgy' likely comes from the slang term 'dodge,' which means to avoid or evade something.
It became more popular in British English during the 19th century, often referring to dubious or questionable behavior.
Early uses of 'dodgy' were linked to people avoiding responsibilities or tasks, suggesting a kind of cleverness in evasion.

The origin of the word 'dodgy' is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in British English slang in the mid-19th century. It may derive from the term 'dodge' meaning 'to avoid' or 'to swindle'. Over time, 'dodgy' has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to dishonesty, unreliability, and questionable safety.

See also: dodge, dodger, dodginess, dodging.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,320 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33317 scrabbling
33318 defused
33319 polymerize
33320 dodgy
33321 expatiated
33322 flay
33323 silvering
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