| Slang | Meaning & Usage | Origin & Language | Examples | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dodgy | suspicious; low quality | United Kingdom, English (colloquial) | “That deal sounds a bit dodgy.” | UK, Europe |
Definition & Description of Dodgy
“Dodgy” is one of the most flexible slang words in British English. It’s used when something feels suspicious, unsafe, or not trustworthy. You might call a street “dodgy” if it seems unsafe at night, or a person “dodgy” if their behaviour feels shady.
It can also describe poor quality — like dodgy food, dodgy Wi-Fi, or a dodgy second-hand car. The word isn’t rude but carries a clear warning: something isn’t quite right.
“Dodgy” is popular across the UK and is often heard in casual conversation, news stories, and crime dramas. It reflects the British tendency to downplay serious problems with understatement. Instead of saying something is “dangerous” or “corrupt,” calling it “dodgy” feels more relaxed but still critical.
Examples of Dodgy
- “This internet connection is really dodgy.”
- “He seems a bit dodgy—I wouldn’t trust him.”
- “The brakes on that car are dodgy, don’t drive it.”
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