feel dodgy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel dodgy" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing a suspicious feeling or an uneasy sensation. For example, "I'm not sure what's going on here, I feel dodgy about this whole situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Note, rather insalubriously, the city's minuscule Red Light District is just behind the hotel – but the area doesn't feel dodgy.

Independent

However, parents -- who are the people who go to the previews and fill out the cards and recommend movies to other parents -- feel dodgy about the subject of violence and cartoons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bays said he told Farrell it had felt "dodgy," and he left.

The New York Times

Staying safe is your priority with hitchhiking so if it feels dodgy, don't jump in – no matter how badly you feel you need to get to the next county along.

The Guardian

I briefly considered making my avatar self a different race, but that feels culturally dodgy.

The New Yorker

"I had a drip for 15 minutes or so, I still felt pretty dodgy afterwards but I had to get my pads back on in case another wicket went down.

The Guardian - Sport

But it feels a bit dodgy when militias are roaming around, feeling like they deserve some power. .

Vice

That feels politically very dodgy to me.But back to the summit of last night and today.

The Economist

So they brought in Saul Goodman, played by Odenkirk, who grew as a character as the show went on, to the extent that when Breaking Bad finally came crashing splendidly to a halt, Gilligan and Gould felt that their dodgy lawyer was worth further investigation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"At first it felt a little dodgy, ordering food from someone you don't know," says Coustas. "You think, 'Who are they?

BBC

Bling feels dangerous too, it's the dodgy look of Funny Money, of those terrible new blocks on Knightsbridge Green, of people with machine-gun-carrying bodyguards.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation that seems questionable or potentially illegal, use "feel dodgy" to convey your unease without making a definitive accusation. This allows you to express your concern while avoiding potential defamation.

Common error

While "feel dodgy" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal writing such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and professional language like "feel suspicious" or "feel unreliable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel dodgy" functions as a subjective assessment, where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "dodgy". It expresses a personal perception or intuition about something being suspicious, unreliable, or potentially illegal, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel dodgy" is a useful way to express a subjective sense of unease or suspicion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and found mainly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider your audience and context. In formal situations, opting for more precise and professional synonyms like "feel suspicious" or "feel unreliable" can be more appropriate. Remember to use "feel dodgy" to convey your concerns without making definitive accusations, allowing you to express your intuition while avoiding potential issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel wrong

Highlights a sense of incorrectness or inappropriateness.

feel unsafe

Indicates a lack of security or protection.

feel suspicious

Focuses on a sense of distrust or doubt regarding someone or something.

feel doubtful

Focuses on a sense of doubt or skepticism about something.

feel dangerous

Highlights a sense of potential harm or threat.

feel tricky

Emphasizes the complexity and potential for problems.

feel risky

Emphasizes the possibility of negative consequences.

feel hazardous

Stresses the potential danger or risk involved.

feel weird

Indicates a sense of strangeness or abnormality.

feel impaired

Suggests a reduction in ability or functionality.

FAQs

How can I use "feel dodgy" in a sentence?

You can use "feel dodgy" to describe a situation, place, or person that seems suspicious or unreliable. For example, "That back alley "feels dodgy" at night" or "The deal "feels dodgy", I think we should reconsider".

What are some alternatives to "feel dodgy"?

Alternatives include "feel suspicious", "feel unreliable", "feel shady", or "feel untrustworthy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "feel dodgy" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional synonyms such as "feel dubious" or "feel questionable".

What's the difference between "feel dodgy" and "feel dangerous"?

"Feel dodgy" suggests a sense of suspicion or unreliability, whereas "feel dangerous" implies a direct threat of harm. A situation that "feels dodgy" might be unethical or untrustworthy, while something that "feels dangerous" suggests imminent physical or emotional harm.