Top 27 Slang For Unsafe – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to navigating the ever-evolving world of slang, staying up-to-date is crucial. Unsafe slang has been making its rounds in various online communities, and it’s important to understand its meaning and implications. Our team has compiled a list of the top unsafe slangs that you need to be aware of to stay informed and connected. Stay tuned to brush up on your knowledge and ensure you’re in the know about the latest language trends.

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1. Sketchy

This term is used to describe something or someone that seems untrustworthy or potentially dangerous. It can also refer to a situation or place that feels unsafe.

For example, “That guy seems really sketchy, I wouldn’t trust him.”
When discussing a risky business deal, someone might say, “The whole situation seems a bit sketchy to me.”
If someone is describing a dangerous neighborhood, they might say, “That area is known for being really sketchy at night.”

2. Dicey

This slang term is used to describe a situation that is likely to be dangerous or unpredictable. It implies that there is a potential for something to go wrong.

For instance, “The weather conditions are looking dicey, we might want to cancel our plans.”
When discussing a controversial topic, someone might say, “It’s a dicey subject, so let’s approach it with caution.”
If someone is describing a risky investment, they might say, “Putting your money into that company is definitely a dicey move.”

3. Shady

This term is used to describe something or someone that is questionable or potentially involved in illegal or dishonest activities. It implies a lack of trustworthiness.

For example, “I don’t trust that guy, he seems really shady.”
When discussing a business transaction, someone might say, “The deal seems a bit shady, I would be careful.”
If someone is describing a person with a questionable reputation, they might say, “He has a history of being involved in shady business dealings.”

4. Dodgy

This slang term is used to describe something or someone that is considered to be unreliable, untrustworthy, or potentially dangerous. It implies a sense of caution or skepticism.

For instance, “I wouldn’t buy that product, it looks dodgy.”
When discussing a person’s behavior, someone might say, “He’s always up to something dodgy.”
If someone is describing a risky situation, they might say, “It’s a dodgy neighborhood, you should be careful walking alone at night.”

5. Unsafe

This term is used to describe something that is not secure or protected, potentially leading to harm or danger. It implies a lack of safety precautions.

For example, “The construction site is unsafe, they need to improve safety measures.”
When discussing a vehicle, someone might say, “That car is unsafe to drive, it’s not roadworthy.”
If someone is describing a dangerous environment, they might say, “The area is known for being unsafe, you should avoid going there.”

6. Risky

This term refers to something that involves a high level of risk or uncertainty. It implies that a decision or action is potentially dangerous or could result in negative consequences.

For example, someone might say, “Going out without an umbrella in this rain is risky.”
In a conversation about investing, a person might warn, “Putting all your money into one stock is a risky move.”
A thrill-seeker might boast, “I love doing risky stunts like skydiving or bungee jumping.”

7. Hazardous

This word describes something that poses a significant risk or danger to one’s safety or well-being. It suggests that a situation or environment is potentially harmful or unsafe.

For instance, a sign might warn, “Caution: Hazardous materials.”
In a workplace safety discussion, someone might say, “Using chemicals without proper precautions can be hazardous.”
A person might advise, “Avoid swimming in that area, as the currents are hazardous.”

8. Perilous

This term emphasizes the extreme level of danger or risk involved in a particular situation. It suggests that the situation is fraught with potential harm or disaster.

For example, someone might say, “Climbing Mount Everest without proper equipment is a perilous endeavor.”
In a discussion about extreme sports, a person might comment, “BASE jumping is one of the most perilous activities one can engage in.”
A traveler might warn, “Be careful when hiking in the jungle, as it can be a perilous environment.”

9. Precarious

This word describes something that is uncertain, unstable, or likely to collapse or fail. It suggests that a situation or condition is delicate and could easily become unsafe or dangerous.

For instance, a person might say, “Walking on the narrow ledge felt precarious.”
In a conversation about job security, someone might comment, “Working in the gig economy can feel precarious, as there are no guarantees.”
A person might warn, “Be careful when driving in icy conditions, as the roads can become precarious.”

10. Unstable

This term describes something that is not firmly fixed or secure, often implying that it is likely to fall or collapse. It suggests that a situation or object is not stable or safe.

For example, someone might say, “The old bridge feels unstable, I don’t think we should cross it.”
In a discussion about relationships, a person might say, “Their marriage is unstable and could end in divorce.”
A person might warn, “Be careful when using that ladder, it seems unstable.”

11. Insecure

When someone is insecure, they lack self-confidence and may feel uncertain or doubtful about themselves or their abilities.

For example, a person might say, “I feel insecure about my appearance.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “Insecure people often struggle with jealousy and trust issues.”
A friend might offer reassurance by saying, “Don’t be insecure about your talents, you’re really good at what you do.”

12. Vulnerable

When someone is vulnerable, they are at risk of being harmed or attacked physically, emotionally, or mentally.

For instance, a person might say, “I feel vulnerable walking alone at night.”
In a discussion about cybersecurity, someone might say, “Leaving your personal information unprotected online can make you vulnerable to identity theft.”
A therapist might talk about the importance of creating a safe space for clients to be vulnerable and open up about their feelings.

13. Treacherous

When something is treacherous, it is extremely dangerous or unreliable, posing a risk or threat to safety.

For example, a person might say, “The icy roads are treacherous to drive on.”
In a conversation about hiking, someone might warn, “Be careful on that trail, it can be treacherous after heavy rain.”
A news report might describe a treacherous situation as “A treacherous storm caused widespread power outages and flooding.”

14. Risky business

When something is referred to as “risky business,” it means it involves potential danger, uncertainty, or a high level of risk.

For instance, a person might say, “Investing in cryptocurrency can be risky business.”
In a conversation about extreme sports, someone might say, “Skydiving is definitely risky business, but the thrill is worth it.”
A parent might caution their child, “Playing with fire is risky business, you need to be careful.”

15. On thin ice

When someone is “on thin ice,” it means they are in a precarious or risky situation where one wrong move could have serious consequences.

For example, a boss might tell an employee, “You’re on thin ice after missing multiple deadlines.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Cheating is a sure way to put your relationship on thin ice.”
A teacher might warn a student, “If you don’t improve your grades, you’ll be on thin ice when it comes to passing the class.”

16. Treading on dangerous ground

This phrase is used to describe someone who is taking actions or making decisions that could lead to negative consequences or dangerous situations.

For example, a person might say, “He’s treading on dangerous ground by investing all his money in a risky business.”
In a discussion about controversial topics, someone might warn, “Be careful, you’re treading on dangerous ground with that opinion.”
A parent might advise their child, “Stay away from those kids, they’re always treading on dangerous ground.”

17. Courting disaster

This phrase is used to describe someone who is knowingly or recklessly putting themselves in a situation that is likely to result in a disaster or negative outcome.

For instance, a person might say, “She’s courting disaster by driving recklessly on those icy roads.”
In a discussion about risky behavior, someone might comment, “Playing with fire like that is just courting disaster.”
A friend might warn their friend, “You’re courting disaster by getting involved with that shady business.”

18. Pushing the envelope

This phrase is used to describe someone who is pushing the limits or boundaries of what is considered safe or acceptable.

For example, a person might say, “He’s really pushing the envelope with his extreme sports stunts.”
In a conversation about innovation, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to push the envelope to make progress.”
A manager might encourage their team, “Let’s push the envelope and come up with some groundbreaking ideas.”

19. Riding for a fall

This phrase is used to describe someone who is on a path that is likely to end in failure or disaster.

For instance, a person might say, “He’s riding for a fall with his reckless behavior.”
In a discussion about risky investments, someone might comment, “Those who ignore warning signs are riding for a fall.”
A teacher might warn their student, “If you don’t start studying, you’re riding for a fall in this class.”

20. Dancing with danger

This phrase is used to describe someone who is willingly or unknowingly participating in dangerous or risky activities.

For example, a person might say, “She’s dancing with danger by getting involved with that dangerous crowd.”
In a conversation about thrill-seeking, someone might comment, “Some people just love dancing with danger.”
A parent might express concern, “I’m worried that my child is dancing with danger by experimenting with drugs.”

21. Janky

Janky is a term used to describe something that is of poor quality or unreliable. It can refer to objects, places, or even people.

For example, “That old car looks janky. I wouldn’t trust it to get me anywhere.”
A person might say, “The hotel we stayed at was so janky. The room was dirty and the facilities were falling apart.”
Another might warn, “Don’t buy that janky phone charger. It will probably break after a week.”

22. Ratchet

Ratchet is a slang term used to describe something that is messy, chaotic, or of low quality. It can be used to describe a situation, a person’s behavior, or even an object.

For instance, “This party is getting ratchet. People are dancing on tables and throwing drinks.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe she acted so ratchet at the club last night. She was starting fights with everyone.”
Another might comment, “My room is so ratchet right now. There are clothes everywhere and dishes piled up.”

23. Grimy

Grimy is a term used to describe something that is dirty, unclean, or covered in grime. It can refer to physical objects or places, as well as people’s behavior.

For example, “I don’t want to eat at that restaurant. The kitchen looks grimy.”
A person might say, “After working all day, I feel grimy and need a shower.”
Another might comment, “The subway station is so grimy. I always feel dirty after riding the train.”

24. Shonky

Shonky is a slang term used to describe something that is dishonest, unreliable, or of poor quality. It is often used to describe people or businesses that cannot be trusted.

For instance, “I wouldn’t buy anything from that shonky car dealership. They have a reputation for selling faulty vehicles.”
A person might say, “He’s a shonky mechanic. He always overcharges and doesn’t fix the problem.”
Another might warn, “Be careful with that shonky website. They might steal your credit card information.”

25. Wobbly

Wobbly is a term used to describe something that is unstable, shaky, or unsteady. It can refer to physical objects or even a person’s behavior.

For example, “The table is wobbly. We should put something under one of the legs to stabilize it.”
A person might say, “After a few drinks, his walk became wobbly and uncoordinated.”
Another might comment, “I can’t trust that ladder. It feels wobbly and unsafe.”

26. Flimsy

This term is used to describe something that is not sturdy or reliable. It suggests that the object or situation is easily damaged or prone to breaking.

For example, “The chair is so flimsy, I’m afraid it might collapse if I sit on it.”
A person might say, “I don’t trust that flimsy ladder to hold my weight.”
When describing a poorly constructed building, someone might say, “The walls are made of flimsy materials, it’s not safe to live there.”

27. Unsound

This word is used to describe something that is not structurally sound or dependable. It implies that the object or situation is not safe or stable.

For instance, “The bridge is deemed unsound and needs immediate repair.”
A person might say, “I can’t drive this car, the brakes are unsound.”
When discussing a faulty argument, someone might say, “Their reasoning is unsound and lacks evidence.”