shady
/ˈʃeɪdi/ adjective, proper noun
Forms shadier shadiest Shadys
- adjective Abounding in shades.
- adjective Causing shade.
- adjective Overspread with shade; sheltered from the glare of light or sultry heat.
- adjective (informal) Not trustworthy; disreputable. “He is a shady character.”
- adjective (UK, slang) Mean, cruel.
- proper noun A surname.
Synonyms
corrupt dodgy dubious equivocal seedy sketchy suspicious fly-by-night louche fishy funny suspect shadowed shadowy umbrageous
Etymology
From shade + -y. Compare Saterland Frisian skaadich, skaddich (“shady”), German schattig (“shady”).
Webster’s 1913
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “shady”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details