A slang term for work, materials, or site conditions that look unsafe, poorly executed, or likely to fail. It describes anything from a badly rigged scaffold and frayed extension cords to a contractor who cuts corners. While British in origin, it is widely understood on global job sites to flag something sketchy.
Heard on the job
I'm not climbing up there, that ladder setup looks completely dodgy.
Insider tip
If a veteran tradesperson calls a setup dodgy, stop and reassess the safety of the situation immediately.
Also heard as
- Sketchy
- Janky