dodgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodgy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is suspicious, unreliable, or of poor quality. Example: "I wouldn't trust that website; it looks a bit dodgy to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not trying to palm you off with dodgy clothes; it's just their particular method of stock keeping, but it's worth checking they've given you the right size.

The Guardian - Travel

To this day you still see those distinctive golden Benson and Hedges World Series Cup team posters framed on the wall of dodgy pubs and immediately feel at home.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm relieved everything is so hunky dory in the health service that he can spare the time to kvetch about what Vicky Pryce puts on her stationery but I suspect the "vast majority of the public" are more scandalised by dodgy hospital death rates.

The Guardian - Opinion

The FCO certainly knew that this "genocide equivocation" was dodgy: one internal memo obtained under the Freedom of Information Act admits that "HMG is open to criticism in terms of the ethical dimension.

The Guardian - Books

In the hundred degree heat, Paul McGrath, dodgy knees and all, gave the grittiest defensive performance I've ever witnessed (at the other end of the pitch, legendary defenders Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini must have looked on in awe), and Ray Houghton scored the winner.

The Guardian - Sport

Their policy of taking big stakes in RBS and Lloyds/HBOS, while offering government insurance for banks' dodgy assets, puts the government in the worst position of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't want kids to think I am doing something dodgy, when I am not".

The Guardian - Sport

And at the same time I have to consider the affects of the wine I'm drinking and the carbs in the sobering orange juice and all the dodgy dancing is exercise to consider.

The Guardian

That dodgy office banter you had over an email with a colleague?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senior editors at Wikipedia became exasperated by this anonymous amending with one responding on 20 July 2013 by saying: "Dear Grant Shapps, clearly your and your supporter's dodgy behaviour knows no bounds".

The Guardian

It's linked up with the nature of capitalism, we've already seen the scandal of Lynton Crosby and the link to fossil fuels in Australia, the link to dodgy private companies trying to take over the NHS, and tobacco companies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dodgy" to describe situations, products or even people, but avoid using it in formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.

Common error

While "dodgy" is widely understood, it's often too informal for academic papers or business reports. Opt for terms like "unreliable", "questionable", or "dubious" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "dodgy" primarily functions to describe something as unreliable, suspicious, or of low quality. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "dodgy" modifies nouns to indicate a negative attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sport

10%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Film

3%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "dodgy" is a versatile adjective widely used to describe something unreliable, dishonest, or risky. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it should be used with caution in highly formal settings, where more precise alternatives like "unreliable" or "questionable" may be more appropriate. When writing, remember that "dodgy" is suitable for situations, products, or people, but consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspicious

Focuses more on the element of distrust and doubt regarding the honesty or legitimacy of something.

unreliable

Highlights the lack of dependability or consistency in performance or quality.

questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or dispute, often implying ethical concerns.

dubious

Emphasizes uncertainty and doubt, often suggesting a lack of credibility or authenticity.

shady

Implies a lack of transparency and potential involvement in illegal or unethical activities.

risky

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes or danger associated with something.

untrustworthy

Highlights a lack of reliability and the potential for betrayal or deception.

dubitable

Emphasizes the uncertainty of an idea or an event.

dicey

Indicates a situation that is unpredictable and potentially hazardous or unpleasant.

fishy

Informal term suggesting something is suspicious or not quite right.

FAQs

How can I use "dodgy" in a sentence?

"Dodgy" can be used to describe something that is unreliable, dishonest, or risky. For example, "The car's brakes felt a bit dodgy" or "He gave me a dodgy excuse for being late."

What can I say instead of "dodgy"?

You can use alternatives like "suspicious", "unreliable", or "questionable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dodgy" or "shady"?

Both "dodgy" and "shady" can be used to describe something suspicious, but "dodgy" is more common in British English, while "shady" is more common in American English.

What's the difference between "dodgy" and "risky"?

"Dodgy" often implies a lack of trustworthiness or potential for deception, while "risky" focuses on the possibility of negative outcomes or danger. Something can be "risky" without being "dodgy", and vice versa.