Pronunciation: [slˈiːzɪz] (IPA) 
The word "sleazes" is a plural noun that refers to immoral, disreputable, or unethical behavior. It is spelled as /ˈslizɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the "s" sounds like "z" in the final position, and "ea" represents a long "e" sound. The "z" sound is repeated twice, indicating pluralization. The word has a negative connotation and is often used to describe people or conduct that is shady or untrustworthy.
Sleazes, in its plural form, is a noun that refers to individuals or things that exhibit a lack of moral standards, integrity, or ethics. Often used as a colloquial slang term, it carries a negative connotation, typically describing people or actions that are deemed distasteful, disreputable, or untrustworthy.
As applied to people, sleazes are often seen as deceitful, manipulative, or exploitative individuals who prioritize personal gain over principles. They may engage in dishonest or unethical behavior, such as lying, cheating, or taking advantage of others for personal or financial gain. Sleazes are commonly associated with those involved in various professions such as politics, business, or entertainment, where their questionable actions might harm others or undermine societal values.
Beyond individuals, the term 'sleazes' can also refer to objects, places, or situations that are considered unpleasant, sordid, or morally objectionable. It may describe environments that are shady, unclean, or lacking in decency. For instance, a run-down bar with a seedy atmosphere could be described as a "sleaze joint," emphasizing its negative qualities.
Due to its informal nature, the term "sleazes" is often subjective and open to interpretation. However, it generally denotes behaviors or aspects that are morally reprehensible, untrustworthy, or lacking in integrity.
The word "sleaze" is derived from the noun "sleazeball" or "sleazebag", which originated in American slang around the 1960s. The exact etymology of "sleaze" is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be a blend of various words with similar meanings. It is possible that it combines elements of "sleazy", meaning disreputable, sordid, or morally corrupt, with "sleek", suggesting smoothness or slickness. Another theory suggests that "sleaze" may be related to "sleech", a dialectal term meaning a sly, cunning person. The word "sleaze" is used to describe immoral or dishonest behavior, often associated with a lack of integrity or principles.
