sleazy

Sleazy is an adjective used to describe behavior, places, or things that are morally low, tawdry, or unscrupulous, as well as items that are cheaply made or of poor quality. When applied to people, it implies dishonest or predatory conduct, such as exploiting others or using deceptive tactics. When applied to places or products, it suggests a seedy or sensationalized character intended to attract attention without substance.

Usage and connotations vary by context, but the term is generally strongly negative. It is common in journalism, criticism, and everyday speech to convey disapproval of unethical practices, disreputable environments, or marketing that feels deceptive or excessively lurid. Because it carries moral judgment, saying something or someone is sleazy can be insulting and context-dependent.

Origins and related terms: Sleazy derives from the noun sleaze, meaning dirty or disreputable material, and entered English slang in the 20th century. The precise etymology is uncertain, but the sense of dirt, slime, or low quality has persisted. Related terms include seedy, tawdry, and unscrupulous, while words like reputable, ethical, and respectable serve as antonyms. Colloquial variants include sleazebag, which insults a person viewed as particularly unscrupulous.

Examples: A sleazy motel might have peeling wallpaper and unreliable amenities; sleazy tactics refer to manipulative or deceptive methods in business or politics. The term remains highly context-sensitive and is most often used to express a negative moral or quality assessment.