Definition
Morally questionable, dishonest, or suspicious; involving deception or illicit activity. Also used to describe someone untrustworthy or behavior that seems underhanded.
Example Usage
He's been doing some shady business deals that nobody wants to talk about.
Origin
From the literal meaning of 'shade' (darkness or shadow), metaphorically extended to mean 'obscured' or 'hidden,' implying something not in the light.
Fun Fact
The term has been in use since at least the 1920s, though it gained renewed popularity in hip-hop and African American Vernacular English.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “shady” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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