Definition of shoddy

The word "shoddy" originated in the mid-19th century as a result of a new textile manufacturing process called shoddy-making. This process involved the recycling of old woolen clothes into new ones, aimed at reducing production costs. The resulting materials were often of low quality, with tangled and visible stitches, making them appear shabby or shoddy. The term "shoddy" was coined to describe these inferior products. Based on the old verb "shade," which means to shed or cast off, the new term "shoddy" reflected the idea of shedding or casting off the original quality of textiles to make cheaper products. By the late 1800s, shoddy-making became a major industry, with numerous factories throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. However, public outcry over the poor quality and deception of these products led to increased regulation and penalties for false advertising, effectively bringing an end to widespread shoddy-making practices. Today, the term "shoddy" is primarily used as a pejorative epithet to describe substandard or low-quality products, services, or work.