fishy

Fishy is an English adjective with multiple related senses. It can describe something pertaining to fish, such as a fishy biology topic or a dish with fish ingredients. It can refer to a smell or taste that resembles fish, which is commonly unpleasant when the fish is spoiled. It is also used figuratively to describe something suspicious, dubious, or untrustworthy, as in the phrase “this explanation sounds fishy.”

In everyday usage, the idiom “to smell fishy” signals suspicion and is often used to flag potential deception or problems. The literal sense of odor is still relevant when discussing spoilage in fish or seafood. The figurative sense is well established in general English and can apply to statements, plans, or behavior that seems questionable.

Etymology and usage notes: the term combines the noun fish with the suffix -y, extending the literal meaning to figurative domains. The association between spoiled or odorous fish and distrust provides the basis for the commonly used metaphor. While “fishy” can describe legitimate fish-related topics, its most frequent contemporary use is to doubt the honesty or reliability of something or someone.