Definition of fishy

The word "fishy" has an interesting history. The term originally referred to someone or something that smelled like fish. This sense of the word dates back to the 16th century, when "fishy" was used to describe a strong, pungent odor reminiscent of fish. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, becoming synonymous with something or someone that is suspicious, shady, or untrustworthy. This sense of "fishy" is thought to have originated in the 19th century, possibly due to the association between fish and spoiled or decaying matter. In modern English, "fishy" is often used as an adverb or adjective to describe something that seems questionable or untruthful, such as "I think there's something fishy going on here." Interestingly, the word has retained its connection to fish, with the phrase "something fishy" becoming a common idiom for describing something that doesn't smell quite right.