#1: Dodgy

Although Merriam-Webster is a dictionary of American English, it contains a range of words rarely heard outside Britain. Here are more of our favourites.

Definition:

false or dishonest; causing a lack of trust or confidence

Example:

"Sadly, I am not at Glyndebourne, surrounded by hills and rolling sheep, by women in flowing dresses and men in dodgy bowties quaffing champagne and eating salmon sandwiches." – Stephen Moss, Guardian.co.uk, June 26, 2011

About the Word:

Dodgy comes from dodge, but where does dodge come from? Fittingly, no one knows: dodge has been evading explanation since the 16th century.