dodgy character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodgy character" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone with questionable or dubious character traits. For example, "He had a dodgy character, so no one wanted to trust him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The raid, he said, was carried out by the state police, and "it involved some dodgy character who was alleging that we had stolen five hundred thousand dollars from Citibank".

The New Yorker

The vicar who ministered to this disreputable parish of actors, spies, cut-purses, prostitutes and poets - and to its larger proportion of unsung law-abiders - was himself a rather dodgy character, one Meredith Hanmer, who had spied on English Catholics in France in the early 1580s.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Appearance: Carlos the Jackal-ish international dodgy characters.

The Guardian

It is bad enough when dodgy characters win votes, but even worse when they count them.

The Economist

The affair involves a cast of prodigiously dodgy characters in assorted countries.

The Economist

And when the information comes from dodgy characters (perhaps with payment involved) compliance officers and regulators get twitchy.

The Economist

But Burr also spent a lot of time in the wilderness with dodgy characters, and there is at least circumstantial evidence that his intentions were more malign.

Princeton University

The knights and earls, the barons and viscounts, the dodgy characters and cheeky gibes - so much of it is a muddle to the American mind.

The New York Times

There were a lot of dodgy characters who took advantage of what they saw as the na?t?f people from the islands".

The New York Times

They agreed that libel law was being manipulated by "dodgy characters" from all over the world who sought legal redress against valid investigative journalism in UK courts.

The Guardian

Felix Carbury Most of the dodgy characters in Trollope's The Way We Live Now have moustaches, notably the posh ne'er-do-well Sir Felix.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dodgy character", ensure the context clearly indicates the reasons for their untrustworthiness, whether through their actions, reputation, or associations.

Common error

Avoid using "dodgy character" lightly; it implies a significant level of untrustworthiness or potential for harm, not just mere eccentricity or quirkiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodgy character" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dodgy" modifies the noun "character". It is used to describe someone whose qualities or behavior are questionable, suspicious, or unreliable. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing potentially harmful or untrustworthy individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodgy character" is a commonly used expression to describe an individual whose trustworthiness is questionable. Grammatically sound and widely understood, it appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used to express a negative assessment or to warn others. While slightly informal, its versatility makes it suitable for a range of situations. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies the character's questionable nature, avoiding overuse for mere eccentricities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious character

Uses a more formal synonym for "dodgy", maintaining the sense of uncertainty.

questionable person

Emphasizes the uncertainty and doubt surrounding the person's behavior or intentions.

shady figure

Uses a different adjective to describe someone of questionable ethics or background.

suspicious individual

Highlights the feeling of mistrust and wariness associated with the person.

untrustworthy individual

Replaces "dodgy" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the lack of reliability.

fishy character

Employs a more colloquial term, "fishy", to suggest something is not quite right or honest about the person.

unscrupulous character

Emphasizes a lack of moral principles and ethical considerations.

unreliable sort

Focuses on the lack of dependability and trustworthiness.

deceptive person

Highlights the act of misleading or tricking others.

crafty individual

Suggests someone who is skilled at using deception to achieve their goals.

FAQs

What does "dodgy character" mean?

A "dodgy character" refers to someone who is untrustworthy, suspicious, or potentially dishonest. They often have a questionable reputation or engage in unethical behavior.

What can I say instead of "dodgy character"?

You can use alternatives like "shady figure", "questionable person", or "untrustworthy individual", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dodgy character" in formal writing?

While "dodgy character" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or professional terms like "untrustworthy individual" or "person of questionable repute".

How do I identify a "dodgy character" in a story?

Look for signs such as inconsistent behavior, secretive actions, a history of dishonesty, or associations with other untrustworthy individuals. The context and narrative should provide clues to their true nature.