fishy

"Fishy" is an adjective with two main senses. One is very literal — relating to fish — and the other is figurative and very commonly used in everyday conversation to describe something that feels wrong or suspicious.

1adjectivesmelling or tasting of fish

When something smells or tastes strongly of fish, you call it 'fishy'. It is a straightforward, literal description — usually of food or a place near the sea.

everyday language, food · Modern, widely used

The kitchen had a strong fishy smell after she cooked the salmon.

I didn't enjoy the soup — it tasted too fishy for me.

The harbor had that familiar fishy odor you notice near fishing boats.

2adjectivefigurativesuspicious or dishonest

When a situation, story, or person's behavior seems strange and makes you think something dishonest or wrong is happening, you say it is 'fishy'. Think of it as your gut feeling telling you: 'Something is not right here.' This is the most common way people use the word in daily conversation.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

He said he was home all evening, but his story sounds fishy to me.

There is something fishy about the way that company handles its money.

The police thought the whole situation was fishy and decided to investigate.