What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seedy
Example
The hotel we stayed in was quite seedy and we didn't feel safe there. [seedy: adjective]
Example
He looked seedy and unkempt, like he hadn't slept in days. [seedy: adjective]
Example
The company's seedy business practices were exposed by the media. [seedy: adjective]
dodgy
Example
I don't want to go to that dodgy part of town at night. [dodgy: adjective]
Example
He seems like a dodgy character, I wouldn't trust him. [dodgy: adjective]
Example
I bought a dodgy phone online and it stopped working after a week. [dodgy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dodgy is more commonly used in British English, while seedy is more common in American English. Both words are informal and colloquial, and may not be appropriate in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seedy and dodgy?
Neither seedy nor dodgy are considered formal words, and are best used in casual or informal settings. However, seedy may be slightly more formal than dodgy due to its use in certain legal contexts.
