What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dodgy
Example
I don't trust that guy, he seems a bit dodgy. [dodgy: adjective]
Example
The car looks a bit dodgy, I wouldn't buy it. [dodgy: adjective]
Example
The restaurant has a dodgy reputation for food poisoning. [dodgy: adjective]
sketchy
Example
The plan is still a bit sketchy, we need more details. [sketchy: adjective]
Example
I don't know if I trust that guy, his story sounds a bit sketchy. [sketchy: adjective]
Example
The directions were a bit sketchy, I got lost. [sketchy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sketchy is more commonly used than dodgy in American English, while dodgy is more commonly used in British English. Both words are informal and casual, and may not be appropriate in formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dodgy and sketchy?
Neither dodgy nor sketchy are formal words, and should be avoided in formal writing or speech. Instead, more appropriate synonyms such as 'suspicious' or 'questionable' should be used.
