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

The book features essays from luminaries like the Washington Post style critic Rachel Tashjian, Puck’s fashion reporter Lauren Sherman on topics like louche dressing, Jean-Luc Godard, and the idea of director style as, first and foremost, workwear.

From Los Angeles Times

That changed last summer when Café Chelsea opened in the former site of Capitol Fishing Tackle Company, carrying over what Sean MacPherson, the hotel’s co-owner and designer, described as the “slightly other” and “louche” aesthetic of the famed landmark, once home to such notables as Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan and Patti Smith.

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

John Malkovich is deliciously louche as Tom Ripley in director/cowriter Liliana Cavani’s suave adaptation of Highsmith’s novel.

From Salon

Her subjects were often her friends: louche aristocrats, nightclub habitués, lovers of both sexes.

From New York Times