Shady describes something or someone that seems dishonest, suspicious, or not quite trustworthy. If your friend tells you about a “shady deal” someone offered them, they mean it sounds too good to be true or possibly illegal. A shady character might be someone who avoids eye contact, gives vague answers, or seems like they're hiding something.

The word comes from the idea of lurking in the shadows, out of the light where people can see clearly. Just as shadows obscure what's really there, shady behavior obscures the truth. A shady business might have hidden fees they don't tell you about upfront. A shady explanation for being late might have convenient gaps in the story.

You might hear someone say a used-car salesman seems shady if he's pushy, won't answer direct questions, or keeps changing the price. Or a friend might warn you that a website looks shady if it's asking for too much personal information or making promises that seem impossible.

The word can also simply mean “providing shade,” like a shady tree on a hot day, but when people describe a person or situation as shady, they're usually warning that something doesn't feel right.