What does it mean if something is fishy?

"Fishy" is a slang term that implies something is suspicious, untrustworthy, or dubious. It suggests that something doesn't quite add up, and there might be something hidden or dishonest going on.

Here are some examples of how "fishy" is used:

* "Her story about being stuck in traffic for hours seemed fishy. I think she was just late." This implies that the person's excuse is suspicious.

* "There's something fishy about that deal. The price seems too good to be true." This suggests that there's a potential catch or hidden problem.

* "The politician's sudden change of heart on the issue is fishy. I suspect he's got something to gain." This implies that the politician's actions are motivated by something other than genuine belief.

The term "fishy" originates from the idea that fish have a strong, sometimes unpleasant smell, which can be associated with decay or decay. This association makes "fishy" a good way to describe something that feels "off" or "rotten" in a figurative sense.