dodgy etymology

Etymology

The origin of the word "dodgy" is uncertain. Several theories exist:

• Derogatory for "dog": The term "dog" was historically used as an insult, and "dodgy" may have been derived from this.
• Romany (Gypsy): The Anglo-Romany word "dod" or "dody" means "bad" or "worthless".
• Middle Dutch or Low German: The words "dogen" (to be silent) or "dodde" (sluggish) may have influenced the development of "dodgy".
• Old English: The word "doddan" means "to move clumsily" or "to dodge".

Meaning

"Dodgy" has two primary meanings:

• Unreliable, of poor quality, or suspicious: e.g., "That used car dealer has a lot of dodgy vehicles."
• Dishonest, deceptive, or potentially illegal: e.g., "I suspect that my neighbor is involved in some dodgy business."

Origin

The term "dodgy" emerged in British English in the early 19th century, initially used in the sense of "clumsy" or "unwieldy". By the mid-19th century, it had taken on its modern meanings of "unreliable" and "dishonest".

dodgy relate terms

• dodge

  Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning

• dodge

  Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning

• crispy

  Etymology The word crispy is derived from the Middle English word crispe which in tu

• stilly

  Etymology The word stilly is derived from the Middle English word stille which in t

• dusky

  Etymology Middle English duski from Old Norse duskr meaning dark twilight Mean

• crafty

  Etymology The word crafty comes from the Old English term cræftig meaning strong

• cunning

  Etymology The word cunning comes from the Old English word cunnan which means to k

• foxy

  Etymology of Foxy The origin of the word foxy is uncertain but there are several pla

• slick

  Etymology Middle Dutch slik smooth sleek Proto Germanic slikkaz Proto Indo Europ

• exile

  Etymology Latin exsilium exile banishment Proto Indo European eks s il out

• sincere

  Etymology The word sincere originates from the Latin word sincerus which means pur

• camouflage

  Etymology Camouflage comes from the French word camoufler meaning to disguise onese

• exercise

  Etymology The word exercise comes from the Latin word exercere which means to train

• sibling

  Etymology Old English sibling Derived from Proto Germanic siblingaz a derivative of