different between sleazy vs skeevy

English

Etymology

Origin obscure. Possibly a corruption of Silesia, through a word meaning “Silesian cloth”. Silesia used to be the most important location of Germany’s weaving industry.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sli?.zi/
• Rhymes: -i?zi

Adjective

sleazy (comparative sleazier, superlative sleaziest)

1. Marked by low quality; inferior; inadequate.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:low-quality
2. Raunchy or perverted in nature; tastelessly sexual.

   Synonym: skeezy
3. Untrustworthy.

   Synonyms: unreliable, questionable, sketchy, shady, slimy
4. (dated, of fabric) Thin and flimsy.

Derived terms

• sleaze
• sleazebag
• sleaziness

Usage notes

The following example shows the first three senses in a single sentence:

Sleazy John may be interpreted as untrustworthy, perverted or both in this case.

Translations

English

Etymology

From Italian schifo (“disgust, nausea”) plus English suffix -y. Compare Italian schifoso (“disgusting, loathsome”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ski?vi/

Adjective

skeevy (comparative skeevier, superlative skeeviest)

1. (slang) Disgusting or distasteful.
   • 2013, Jessica Hagedorn, Manila Noir, Akashic Books (?ISBN), page 183

   • 2017, Jessica Brody, The Chaos of Standing Still, Simon and Schuster (?ISBN), page 232

Derived terms

• skeeve
• skeeviness

See also

• skeevies