Dodgy - What does "Dodgy" mean in British slang?

The Slang Podcast - Learn British English Now

While telling my Italian friend about my travels around Italy we got onto the topic of Rome, a beautiful and lively city. I stayed there for 3 weeks alone over a recent summer while studying classics. However I had to admit that some areas were slightly dodgy and I preferred not to stay alone in them. Dodgy she responded? Louisa I don't understand this at all. So let's look at this word today…
In slang Dodgy D-O-D-G-Y is an adjective used for people, places, things you should avoid. In slang we can use it like this: "don't go to that park at night it's a bit dodgy" meaning that park may be dangerous so don’t go there.
Dodgy in slang is derived from the formal english word dodge D-O-D-G-E used as both a verb and noun. As a verb dodge means to move aside or change position suddenly for example "he dodge the ball" or to get away from or avoid (someone or something) in a skillful or dishonest way such as "When asked a direct question, he dodges".
It originated in the 1680s and perhaps it is from or akin to Scottish and Northern English word dodd D-O-D-D meaning to jog or run.
As a noun dodge means a shifty tactic or clever trick such as "He keeps his money overseas as a tax dodge".
In slang dodgy can be a synonym for dangerous, bad or untrustworthy for example "That guy looks a bit dodgy" meaning he looks untrustworthy.
Or "urgh! That cheese smells dodgy!"meaning its gone off.
Remember if something or someone is dodgy, keep your distance.
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Let’s catch up soon to explore our next slang word.
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