SHIFTY Meaning and
Definition
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Shifty is an adjective that describes someone or something as displaying an evasive or deceitful nature. It refers to a person who is often regarded as unreliable, untrustworthy, or dishonest. It can also describe the actions, behavior, or appearance of someone or something that is characterized by being sly, tricky, or cunning.
When applied to a person, shifty suggests a certain level of untrustworthiness. Such individuals may give off an air of slyness or a sense that they are constantly trying to hide something or deceive others. This can manifest in their body language, facial expressions, or in the way they speak or act. Shifty people may have a habit of avoiding direct eye contact, frequently changing their story, or frequently shifting their gaze.
In a broader sense, shifty can encompass situations, actions, or objects that appear dubious or untrustworthy. This can refer to things like shady business practices, elusive maneuvers, or objects that seem suspicious or out of place. Shifty characters in movies or mystery novels often engage in deceitful behaviors, displaying an air of secrecy and unpredictability.
Overall, shifty refers to an individual, behavior, or object that gives the impression of being sly, unreliable, or deceitful, arousing suspicion or distrust.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SHIFTY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SHIFTY
Etymology of SHIFTY
The word "shifty" originated from the Old English term "sceofte", which meant "changeable" or "wavering". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "skeub-" meaning "to shove" or "to push". Over time, the term evolved to "sceuft", which meant "inclined to deceive" or "untrustworthy". From there, it transformed into "shifty", retaining its connotation of being untrustworthy or elusive.
Idioms with the word SHIFTY
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shifty-looking
The idiom "shifty-looking" is used to describe someone who appears dishonest, untrustworthy, or suspicious. It refers to a person's demeanor or appearance suggesting that they may be up to something deceitful or dubious.
Similar spelling words for SHIFTY
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