louche

[ loosh ]

adjective

1. dubious; shady; disreputable.

louche

/ luːʃ /

adjective

1. shifty or disreputable

Word History and Origins

Origin of louche¹

1810–20; < French: literally, cross-eyed; Old French losche, feminine of lois < Latin luscus blind in one eye

Word History and Origins

Origin of louche¹

C19: from French, literally: squinting

Example Sentences

Accompanied by a trio of louche, bespangled “Hunnies,” he first puts Morton through a recap of his life, with an emphasis on his lies, betrayals and musicological self-aggrandizement.

From New York Times

Bold flower prints, jaunty sailor hats, and a louche suiting mix with chunky boots and letterman jackets.

From Los Angeles Times

Lawrence Osborne does a very good, louche take on being an English expat in Asian locales.

From New York Times

He was literary, like others of his family, and louche like punk London.

From BBC

Remember Eastman's get-up on Jan. 6 when he addressed the crowd at the Ellipse near the White House, in some kind of louche cowboy hat and silk scarf?

From Salon