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Sleazy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sleazy

[ˈsliːzi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

dishonorable or immoral, especially in a sexually suggestive way

Synonyms

disgraceful, disreputable, seedy, shady, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sleazy

Describing something or someone as morally low, often involving sexual behavior, corruption, or dishonesty.

  • The sleazy nightclub was known for its questionable patrons and shady deals
disreputable

Describing a person, place, or thing that has a bad reputation and is not respected.

  • She avoided that disreputable hotel because of its poor reviews and unsanitary conditions
shady

Describing actions, places, or people that seem suspicious, dishonest, or morally questionable.

  • He got involved in a shady business deal that eventually landed him in trouble with the law
vulgar

Referring to something that is offensively inappropriate, crude, or lacking in good taste.

  • His vulgar jokes were not appreciated at the formal dinner party
seedy

Referring to something or someone that appears dirty, rundown, or tarnished.

  • The seedy part of town was filled with dilapidated buildings and suspicious characters
disgraceful

Referring to behavior or actions that are shameful and bring dishonor.

  • His disgraceful conduct at the meeting shocked everyone in the room

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his sleazy behavior towards women.
  • The sleazy salesman tried to trick customers into buying his low-quality products.
  • The movie portrayed the sleazy underworld of crime and corruption.
  • The club had a sleazy atmosphere, with dim lighting and shady characters.
  • She felt uncomfortable in the sleazy motel room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, 'sleazy' characters often play the role of the villain or manipulative sidekick.
  • The term has been used in song lyrics to describe untrustworthy relationships, highlighting its resonance in music and storytelling.
  • Popular media often portrays 'sleazy' locations, such as dingy bars or dubious motels, to evoke a sense of danger or mistrust.

Psychology

  • People may use the word 'sleazy' to describe someone untrustworthy, reflecting deeper psychological responses to dishonesty.
  • Research shows that individuals often have a strong aversion to 'sleazy' behaviors, associating them with social rejection and moral dilemmas.
  • The perception of 'sleaziness' can often stem from nonverbal cues or body language that suggests insincerity.

Literature

  • Many authors use 'sleazy' characters in literature to illustrate themes of corruption and moral decay.
  • Notable novels frequently feature sleazy protagonists, challenging the reader's sense of morality.
  • In detective and crime fiction, 'sleazy' characters often serve to drive conflict and highlight the darker aspects of society.

Origin of 'sleazy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sleazy' originated in the 17th century, derived from the word 'sleys', meaning 'slimy' or 'sloppy'.
  • Initially, it referred to cheap or flimsy cloth before evolving to describe disreputable people and places.
  • The term became widely used in the 19th century to refer to unethical behavior in both personal and professional contexts.

The word 'sleazy' originated in the early 17th century and initially meant 'thin or flimsy'. It later evolved to describe something immoral or disreputable, especially in a sexually suggestive way. The term is often used to characterize behavior, places, or individuals that are perceived as dishonorable or lacking in integrity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,703 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.