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sleazy
Sleazy (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does sleazy mean?
Low in moral or ethical standards, lacking integrity, and characterized by disreputable or sordid behavior.
"The motel had a sleazy atmosphere, with dim lighting and questionable clientele."
Detailed Meaning of Sleazy
It implies a sense of cheapness, vulgarity, and untrustworthiness. When something is described as sleazy, it suggests a lack of decency, class, or professionalism. It can refer to places, such as rundown or disreputable establishments, or to individuals who engage in shady or deceitful practices. Sleazy behavior may involve engaging in unethical business practices, taking advantage of others, or displaying a lack of respect for boundaries and personal dignity. It is often associated with a sense of discomfort, disgust, or a feeling of being exploited or manipulated. Overall, the adjective "sleazy" highlights the presence of disreputable, morally questionable, or untrustworthy qualities, evoking a sense of unease or distaste.
Example Sentences for Sleazy
1. The salesman's sleazy tactics made customers hesitant to trust him.
2. She avoided the sleazy bar, knowing it was notorious for illegal activities.
3. The politician's sleazy past was revealed during the election campaign.
4. The sleazy tabloid published scandalous stories to attract readership.
5. The company was involved in a sleazy business deal that tarnished its reputation.
6. He felt uncomfortable in the sleazy nightclub, surrounded by unsavory characters.
Origin and Etymology of Sleazy
The adjective 'sleazy' traces its origins to the early 20th century, where it emerged as a colloquial term in American English. While its precise etymology remains somewhat uncertain, it is believed to have evolved from various slang expressions of the time that denoted something shabby, disreputable, or morally dubious. Some theories suggest a connection to the word 'sleazo,' which was used in the 1920s as slang for an untrustworthy or disreputable person. Overall, 'sleazy' conveys the idea of being low in moral or ethical standards, lacking integrity, and characterized by behavior that is generally considered disreputable or sordid. Its etymology reflects its historical emergence as an informal term to describe such behavior or individuals.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
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More Usage Examples of Sleazy
1. The boss was known for making sleazy advances toward his employees.
2. The movie depicted a sleazy character who manipulated others for personal gain.
3. She refused to date him after discovering his sleazy history of cheating on partners.
4. The celebrity's sleazy behavior was exposed by the media, leading to public backlash.
5. The website had a sleazy layout and contained questionable content.
6. The magazine published a sleazy article that objectified women.
7. The sleazy lawyer took advantage of his clients' vulnerability for financial gain.
8. The neighborhood was once vibrant but had become rundown and sleazy over time.
9. That sleazy salesman tried to trick me into buying a worthless product.
10. The bar downtown has a reputation for attracting a sleazy crowd.
11. We should avoid that sleazy neighborhood after dark.
12. The tabloids are known for their sleazy stories about celebrities.
13. His sleazy behavior at the party made everyone uncomfortable.
14. The sleazy hotel we stayed at had a sketchy reputation.
15. She broke up with her boyfriend when she discovered his sleazy secrets.
16. We need to expose the sleazy practices of that corporation.
17. The movie portrayed a dark and sleazy underworld of crime.
18. The politician's sleazy campaign tactics backfired on him.
19. The nightclub had a sleazy atmosphere that some found alluring.
20. The internet is full of sleazy scams and fraudulent websites.
21. I can't believe she's dating that sleazy character.
22. The courtroom drama revealed the defendant's sleazy past.
23. The tabloid's sleazy headlines were hard to ignore.
24. The nightclub owner was involved in some sleazy dealings.
25. We should steer clear of that sleazy dive bar.
26. The detective uncovered a web of sleazy criminal activity.
27. His sleazy comments crossed the line of decency.
28. She was determined to clean up the sleazy reputation of the company.
Synonyms and Related Words for Sleazy
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