Sketchiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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sketchiest

 

[ˈskɛtʃiɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

vague situation

The term 'sketchiest' refers to something that is unclear, suspicious, or lacking in detail. It often describes situations or people that seem untrustworthy or give an impression of mischief. For instance, when a person's behavior is considered sketchy, it indicates that their motives may not be genuine or that there is something questionable about their actions. This word is typically used in informal contexts and may pertain to activities that raise suspicions or eyebrows.

Synonyms

dodgy, questionable, suspicious, unclear.

Examples of usage

  • He gave a sketchiest explanation for his absence.
  • The town's sketchiest areas are best avoided at night.
  • Her sketchiest friends always seem to be in trouble.
  • I have a sketchiest feeling about this deal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'sketchy' derives from the word 'sketch,' which itself comes from the Italian 'schizzo,' meaning a rough outline.
  • The use of 'sketchy' to describe something suspicious began in the late 19th century, evolving from its artistic roots.
  • The suffix '-est' indicates the superlative degree, making 'sketchiest' mean the most sketchy among others.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often visit 'sketchy' neighborhoods to highlight danger or suspicious activities.
  • The term frequently appears in modern slang, especially among younger generations, to describe people, places, or situations that appear untrustworthy.
  • Video games often depict 'sketchy' characters as enemies or untrustworthy allies, enhancing the sense of risk in the gameplay.

Psychology

  • People are quicker to trust a situation when it feels familiar and less 'sketchy,' indicating a prevalence of comfort in routine.
  • Studies suggest that we often misjudge people as 'sketchy' based on limited interactions or preconceived notions, showing how our biases shape perceptions.
  • The association of 'sketchiness' with danger can trigger fear responses, influencing people to avoid unfamiliar areas or individuals.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'sketchy' descriptions to create suspense or uncertainty about characters’ intentions.
  • The term 'sketchiest' can depict unreliable narrators, enhancing the complexity of storytelling by challenging readers’ trust.
  • In detective novels, 'sketchy' leads often misguide investigators, illustrating how appearances can be deceiving.

Sociology

  • 'Sketchiest' situations can reflect societal biases, where certain neighborhoods or groups are labeled as unsafe without solid evidence.
  • The perception of sketchiness can lead to social stigmas, affecting community relations and individuals' experiences in various contexts.
  • Urban sociology often examines how environment influences perceptions of safety, linking 'sketchiness' to broader social issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "sketchiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais suspeito

🇮🇳 सबसे संदिग्ध

🇩🇪 am zwielichtigsten

🇮🇩 paling mencurigakan

🇺🇦 найбільш підозрілий

🇵🇱 najbardziej podejrzany

🇯🇵 最も怪しい

🇫🇷 le plus louche

🇪🇸 el más sospechoso

🇹🇷 en şüpheli

🇰🇷 가장 수상한

🇸🇦 الأكثر ريبة

🇨🇿 nejvíce podezřelý

🇸🇰 najviac podozrivý

🇨🇳 最可疑的

🇸🇮 najbolj sumljiv

🇮🇸 suspicious

🇰🇿 ең күдікті

🇬🇪 ყველაზე საეჭვო

🇦🇿 ən şübhəli

🇲🇽 el más sospechoso

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,125, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.