dodgy individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodgy individual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is suspicious, untrustworthy, or engages in questionable behavior. Example: "I wouldn't trust him; he seems like a dodgy individual who might be hiding something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should refuse visas to dodgy individuals, however well-connected.

The Economist

While other banks were throwing money at the high-flying entrepreneurs of the era, Mr Corrigan says he found them "dodgy individuals, obvious business frauds".

The Economist

This special, part of Mafia Month on Sky, looks at life after the mob with some very dodgy individuals, mostly incarcerated, to whom Omertà means little, as they recall the good old days of marginally more honourable killing, torture and robbery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I think it's a party that has views on immigration but that doesn't equate with racism although they do have some very dodgy individuals who are members of their party and they must deal with them, of course, in a way that they see fit".

BBC

The wrestler is soon joined by a second dodgy-looking individual, a former waiter, full of charm and panache.

The Guardian - Music

You may laugh at what Christopher Eccleston refers to as its "dodgy wigs and bad beards", but the characters' voices are individual, real and never blur into one other.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But even if individual banks are recapitalised, the danger remains that a dodgy sovereign can drag down its banks.

The Economist

Stewart, a bore with a dodgy turn of phrase ("… let's call them black individuals… "), tried to turn the tables on Nicky, asking him if he would remain presenting if he was accused of racist comments against a colleague.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

that you might get to know someone 12. who's dodgy...? 13.

BMC Medical Education

The dodgy combat of the original has been reworked, with your momentum factoring into each individual strike as you struggle with the new antagonists the KrugerSec.

Vice

The dodgy combat of the original has been reworked, with your momentum factoring into each individual strike as you struggle with the new antagonists – the KrugerSec.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dodgy individual" when you want to convey a sense of unease or suspicion, but without necessarily implying outright criminality. It suggests questionable behavior rather than proven wrongdoing.

Common error

While "dodgy individual" is acceptable in many situations, it might be too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "questionable person" or "untrustworthy individual" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodgy individual" functions as a noun phrase, where "dodgy" acts as a pre-modifying adjective describing the quality or characteristic of the "individual". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodgy individual" describes someone who is suspicious or untrustworthy. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable expression. While grammatically sound, it's relatively informal and should be used with caution in formal contexts. It serves to communicate a sense of unease or suspicion. Frequent in News & Media sources, the phrase is less common in academic or scientific writing. When using "dodgy individual", provide context to support your assessment and consider alternatives like "suspicious character" or "questionable person" for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suspicious character

Replaces "dodgy" with "suspicious" and "individual" with "character", slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

Questionable person

Substitutes "dodgy" with "questionable", emphasizing doubt or uncertainty about the person's integrity.

Dubious character

Uses "dubious" instead of "dodgy", highlighting the uncertainty and potential dishonesty of the individual.

Shady figure

Replaces both words to create a more colloquial and slightly more negative connotation.

Unreliable person

Focuses on the lack of reliability as the defining characteristic, replacing "dodgy" with "unreliable".

Untrustworthy sort

Emphasizes the lack of trustworthiness, using a more informal term "sort" for "individual".

Fishy character

Uses "fishy" to describe the character, implying something is not quite right or suspicious.

Deceptive individual

Highlights the potential for deceit and dishonesty, creating a stronger negative impression.

Suspect person

Directly labels the person as a suspect, implying they are under suspicion or investigation.

Crooked character

Emphasizes dishonesty and illegal activities, painting a more severe picture of the individual's nature.

FAQs

What does the phrase "dodgy individual" mean?

The phrase "dodgy individual" refers to a person who appears untrustworthy, suspicious, or potentially involved in dishonest or illegal activities. It suggests a lack of integrity and raises concerns about their character.

Are there synonyms for "dodgy individual" that I can use?

Yes, there are several alternatives you can use depending on the context. Some options include "suspicious character", "questionable person", or "shady figure".

How formal is the term "dodgy individual"?

"Dodgy individual" is considered relatively informal. While acceptable in everyday conversation and some news contexts, it might be less appropriate in highly formal or academic writing. Choose a more formal alternative like "untrustworthy person" in those situations.

Is it appropriate to use "dodgy individual" to describe someone without any proof?

It's generally not advisable to label someone a "dodgy individual" without any supporting evidence or context. Such a statement could be considered defamatory if it's untrue and damages the person's reputation. Provide specific examples or observations to support your assessment.