The definition of the Informal word "Sketchy" is as follows:

Sketchy [skech-ee]

 

Adjective Informal.

 

1. unreliable or unsafe:

 

That street looks pretty sketchy.

 

2. disreputable or shady:

 

I'd stay away from him; he's got a sketchy past.

What is the Origin of this Usage? How does it relate to the word Sketch?

Sketch [skech]

 

Noun

 

1. a simply or hastily executed drawing or painting, especially a preliminary one, giving the essential features without the details.

 

2. a brief or hasty outline of facts, occurrences, etc.:

a sketch of his life.

 

3.a short, usually descriptive, essay, history, or story.

 

4.a short play or slight dramatic performance, as one forming part of a vaudeville program.

Etymonline only has the Origin of the Formal "Sketchy" describing an unfinished work.

The definition of the Informal word "Sketchy" is as follows:

Sketchy [skech-ee]

Adjective Informal.

1. unreliable or unsafe:

That street looks pretty sketchy.

2. disreputable or shady:

I'd stay away from him; he's got a sketchy past.

What is the Origin of this Usage? How does it relate to the word Sketch?

Sketch [skech]

Noun

1. a simply or hastily executed drawing or painting, especially a preliminary one, giving the essential features without the details.

2. a brief or hasty outline of facts, occurrences, etc.:

a sketch of his life.

3.a short, usually descriptive, essay, history, or story.

4.a short play or slight dramatic performance, as one forming part of a vaudeville program.

Etymonline only has the Origin of the Formal "Sketchy" describing an unfinished work.