What does "dodgy" mean in British English?
"Dodgy" means suspicious, risky, or of poor quality. Here's how this versatile British word works across different contexts.
What it means
Suspicious, unreliable, of poor quality, or ethically questionable. One of the most versatile informal words in British English.
Three main uses
- Suspicious/untrustworthy: "That seller looks a bit dodgy." "A dodgy deal."
- Poor quality: "The food was a bit dodgy." "That wiring looks dodgy."
- Unwell or unreliable: "I've had a dodgy stomach all week." "My car's been dodgy lately."
What it implies
A vague, general sense that something isn't quite right - but without necessarily being able to specify why. It's intuitive rather than precise.
Origin
Probably from "dodge" - something that dodges or evades being straightforward.
Register
Informal British English. Rarely written in formal contexts. Americans would need it explained.
What does "dodgy" mean?
Suspicious, unreliable, of poor quality, or ethically questionable. One of the most versatile informal words in British English.
Is "dodgy" formal or informal?
Informal British English. Rarely written in formal contexts. Americans would need it explained.
Why do native speakers say "dodgy"?
Probably from "dodge" - something that dodges or evades being straightforward.
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