fishy

fish-y · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (informal) Arousing feelings of doubt or suspicion.

  2. 2.

    Resembling or smelling like fish.

  3. 3.

    Relating to or characteristic of fish.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    something fishy — something suspicious or not quite right
  • •
    smell fishy — to seem suspicious or dishonest

Related words

Antonyms: legitimate, trustworthy
See also: dubious, questionable, suspicious
Synonyms: dubious, questionable, suspicious

Etymology

From fish + -y (adjective-forming suffix). The figurative sense of "suspicious" developed in the 19th century, possibly from the idea that something smells bad.