shifty

[ shif-tee ]

adjective

, shift·i·er, shift·i·est.

1. resourceful; fertile in expedients.
2. given to or full of evasions; tricky.

   Synonyms: slippery, foxy, crafty

3. suggesting a deceptive or evasive character:

   a shifty look.

shifty

/ ˈʃɪftɪ /

adjective

1. given to evasions; artful
2. furtive in character or appearance
3. full of expedients; resourceful

Derived Forms

• ˈshiftiness, noun
• ˈshiftily, adverb

Other Words From

• shifti·ly adverb
• shifti·ness noun
• un·shifty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shifty¹

First recorded in 1560–70; shift + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Trump has vowed to spend his second term pursuing his political enemies, including Schiff, whom he has variously described as a “liar,” “traitor,” “shifty,” “evil,” “pencil neck” and one of the country’s “enemies from within.”

From Los Angeles Times

“But I also want to be known as a guy who can be 6-3 and 200 pounds, and guard the short, shifty receiver in the slot. I want to be an all-around corner.”

From Los Angeles Times

So I was rather pleased with some of what she had to say and actually what ex-President Trump had to say, but I get a very shifty vibe from him.

From BBC

“That’s what makes him so special, and that’s why we think so highly of him,” Herbert said of the shifty receiver.

From Los Angeles Times

While it’s likely traditional kick return guys — think diminutive, shifty and speedy — would still have a role, there is a question of whether prototypical running backs could be useful.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cagey
• crafty
• shrewd
• slippery
• sneaky
• tricky
• wily