The term Shady has existed for centuries, but its original meaning differs from its current connotation.  From its original debut into standard American English, in 1579, shady has adopted over ten different definitions.  Thanks to the imaginative language of our current generation the meaning of shady has evolved.

       From 1579 to 1880 shady has had many different definitions, but has always been used in a conventional and general manner.  According to The Oxford English Dictionary the first noted definition of shady meant affording shade.  The second meaning, although similar, meant shaded or protected by shade.  The following definition evolved slightly and turned into meaning on the shady side of or older then.  For example, in Calverley�s book, Fly Leaves, he states, � Thou art on the shady side of sixty too.�� The fourth definition of shady is noted as inhabiting or loving the shade, choosing retirement and security.   The next definition of shady means opaque, not luminous, dark.  Shadowy, indefinite in outline or faintly perceptible is the last noted definition of use in this time period.

       The first evidence of the origin of shady�s current meaning is found in the year 1880.  Around this time the word shady took on a new connotation; of questionable merit or prospects of success, uncertain, unreliable (Oxford English Dictionary).  A second similar definition of this period is not bearing investigation, of a nature or character unable to bear the light, disreputable.  For example, in Sir E. Sullivan�s book, Woman, he states,     � A Roman lady of extraordinary beauty and somewhat a shady character.��

       Today we mostly use shady in the conventional way, but it has taken on a new meaning.   We knew shady to be a cool spot out of the sun, but my generation has taken the word in a whole new direction.  According to the Dictionary of American Slang the current connotation of shady describes a dishonest, unethical or untrustworthy individual.  A similar definition of shady describes an uncertain, unreliable or stupid person (Cassell�s Dictionary of Slang).  To me, shady describes someone who is ignorant, a liar, a back-stabber and two-faced.  In this connotation shady is most decidedly used by members of my generation.  In an argument, a tense situation or even a small dispute with a friend someone is likely to be called shady.  To us this is a harsh statement because we see it as an insult and disrespect.  Shady can also be found in movies and music.  One individual has even made this word into a name for himself.  Slim Shady, better known as Eminem, gives off the impression that he is a ruthless menace to society.  We perceive this particular image of him because of the use of shady in his title.

       I speculate that the derivation of the original meaning of shady to its current position is from the definition meaning to be cold or dark.  The persona of an individual who is cold and dark is untrustworthy, unreliable, dishonest and cruel.  I see this as being the direction of transformation from shady�s original terminology to its current meaning.

       Although both the general definition and the slang definition of shady can be found in the dictionary, not many members of other generations but mine use this term as slang.  Shady can be useful in many situations and also as a substitute for the multitude of harsh swear words that are constantly thrown at our opponents.  I think that shady should be admitted into standard American English because of its overwhelming popularity and widespread use among my generation.