Dodgy - English Definition & Meaning

Daily Word โ€ข Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary

Definition

'Dodgy' means unreliable, suspicious, or potentially dangerous. Think of a website asking for your password that looks a bit off ๐Ÿคจ. It implies something isn't quite right and should be approached with caution. Unlike something that is clearly wrong, 'dodgy' suggests a more subtle, questionable quality. It's like a food that smells a bit funny โ€“ you're not sure if it's bad, but you wouldn't risk it. It often signals a need for extra scrutiny or avoidance.

Etymology

The origin of 'dodgy' is somewhat uncertain, but it's believed to be related to the word 'dodge,' meaning to avoid something. 'Dodge' likely comes from the Middle English word 'doggen,' meaning to move quickly or jerkily. The connection implies that something 'dodgy' is something you'd want to avoid or sidestep quickly. This reflects the caution and distrust associated with the word.

Related Words

Examples

  • "The second-hand car seemed a bit dodgy, so I didn't buy it."
  • "I got a dodgy email asking for my bank details."
  • "The alleyway looked dodgy, so we took a different route."
  • "He gave me a dodgy excuse for being late."

Anecdote / Story

Imagine you're scrolling through TikTok and come across an ad for a 'free' game, but the link looks super weird and asks for all sorts of permissions. That's a dodgy situation! It's like in 'Stranger Things' when something feels off about Hawkins Lab โ€“ you know something's not right, even if you can't put your finger on it. Your instinct is telling you to steer clear of it!

Encouragement

Now you know what 'dodgy' means! Use it to describe situations that feel off or suspicious. Recognizing dodgy situations can help you stay safe and make smart decisions. Keep expanding your vocabulary and stay alert! ๐Ÿšจ

๐Ÿš€ Ready to expand your vocabulary?

Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!

โœ… Daily word delivery โœ… Etymology & examples โœ… Interactive learning โœ… 100% free trial
Start Your Free Trial on WhatsApp
๐Ÿ“ฑ Get daily vocabulary on WhatsApp Start Free Trial