What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scummy
Example
The pond was scummy and filled with algae. [scummy: adjective]
Example
He's a scummy guy who cheats and lies to get ahead. [scummy: adjective]
Example
The alley looked scummy and dangerous, so I avoided it. [scummy: adjective]
shady
Example
The park was too shady to walk through at night. [shady: adjective]
Example
I don't trust that salesman, he seems shady. [shady: adjective]
Example
The nightclub had a shady reputation for drugs and violence. [shady: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shady is more commonly used than scummy in everyday language. Shady is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scummy is less common and refers to a specific type of dirtiness or filthiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scummy and shady?
While scummy is typically associated with an informal and colloquial tone, shady can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
