shady

/ˈʃeɪdi/

/ˈʃeɪdi/

Other forms: shadiest; shadier; shadily

Any place that's protected from the glare and heat of the sun is shady, as in a "shady nook." But as its darkened nature implies, shady has the equally popular meaning of "suspicious, dangerous, or deceitful." A "shady character" is up to no good.

The metaphorical meaning of shady has long been embraced by slang. Since at least the 1950's, the phrase "got it made in the shade" means having a great and easy life or job (picture eastern sultans being shaded by servants holding giant leaves). The rap sultan Eminem calls his evil alter-ego "Slim Shady," conjuring up a devilish suggestion of the Prince of Darkness himself — someone who definitely lives in a shady neighborhood.

Definitions of shady

1. adjective

   filled with shade
   “the shady side of the street”

   synonyms: shadowed, shadowy, umbrageous

   shaded

   protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
2. adjective

   not as expected
   “a shady deal”

   synonyms: fishy, funny, suspect, suspicious

   questionable

   subject to question
3. adjective

   of questionable taste or morality
   synonyms: louche

   disreputable

   lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
4. adjective

   (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous
   “a shady operation”

   synonyms: fly-by-night

   untrustworthy, untrusty

   not worthy of trust or belief