shady
shady Lexical Profile
shady Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of doubtful honesty, legality, or morality; suspicious and untrustworthy.
"The auditor uncovered several shady financial transactions that had been hidden from the board."
Situated in or full of shade; sheltered from direct sunlight.
"We found a cool, shady spot beneath the oak tree to set up our picnic blanket."
Providing or affording shade from the sun.
"Tall, shady elms lined both sides of the historic avenue."
Subtly disrespectful, critical, or contemptuous toward someone (in informal and slang usage).
"Everyone noticed the shady remark she made about her rival's presentation."
• Rhymes for shady
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 16th century from the noun 'shade' (from Old English 'sceadu', meaning shadow or darkness) plus the adjectival suffix '-y'. The figurative sense of 'morally questionable' or 'dishonest' emerged as university slang in the mid-19th century, suggesting actions best kept out of the light.