dodgery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rareArchaic, literary, or humorous
Quick answer
What does “dodgery” mean?
Dishonest or evasive behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Dishonest or evasive behaviour; trickery, deceit.
The art or practice of using clever, underhanded, or evasive tactics to avoid something or achieve a goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference; the word is obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
When used, it often carries a somewhat old-fashioned, colourful, or even slightly quaint connotation, implying a sly cleverness.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “dodgery” in a Sentence
[Subject] + engage in + dodgeryThe + dodgery + of + [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business language.
Academic
Might appear in historical or literary analysis, but not in modern academic prose.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dodgery”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'dodging' (the physical act). It is exclusively about deceitful behaviour.
- Attempting to use it in formal or everyday contexts where it would sound bizarre.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or literary. Learners should prioritise more common synonyms like 'trickery' or 'deceit'.
'Dodging' is the general act of avoiding something (e.g., dodging a ball). 'Dodgery' specifically refers to dishonest or evasive behaviour, not physical evasion.
It is not recommended. Its archaic nature makes it stylistically inappropriate for most modern formal writing. Use a standard synonym instead.
It is formed from the verb 'dodge' (meaning to evade) + the noun-forming suffix '-ery', which denotes a practice or behaviour. It emerged in the 18th/19th centuries.
Dishonest or evasive behaviour.
Dodgery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒdʒ(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːdʒəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Artful Dodger (a literary character from Dickens, whose name alludes to this concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Artful Dodger' from 'Oliver Twist' – a character whose name perfectly captures the essence of clever, evasive 'dodgery'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A PHYSICAL GAME (dodging, evasion).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'dodgery' be most appropriately used today?