Iffy

[Francois]

adjective
1 INFORMAL not certain or decided:
Simon's still kind of iffy about going to Columbia.

2 not completely good, honest or suitable:
The milk smells a bit iffy.
I was hoping to go to the park but the weather's looking a bit iffy.

I got the impression that meaning 2) is quite frequent, but what about meaning 1) ?

FRC

[MikeNewYork]

adjective
1 INFORMAL not certain or decided:
Simon's still kind of iffy about going to Columbia.

2 not completely good, honest or suitable:
The milk smells a bit iffy.
I was hoping to go to the park but the weather's looking a bit iffy.

I got the impression that meaning 2) is quite frequent, but what about meaning 1) ?

FRC

They are really not all that different. "Iffy" creates the notion that something is in the gray area, that it could go either way.

Simon hasn't made up his mind. He might go to Columbia; he might not.

The milk might be spoiled but it might be OK. The sniffere can;t really tell.
The weather might be OK, but it might get bad. The speaker doesn't really know.

Both meanings are used, but the word itself is not all that common. It is very informal, IMO.

[Francois]

Both meanings are used, but the word itself is not all that common

What would you typically say for both examples?

FRC

[MikeNewYork]

Both meanings are used, but the word itself is not all that common

What would you typically say for both examples?

FRC

Simon hasn't yet decided about going to Columbia.
Simon is still considering Columbia.
Simon has mixed emotions about Columbia.

The milk might be sour.
The milk smelles funny/strange/spoiled/sour.

It looks like it may rain/snow/etc.
I don't know what the weather will be like.
The forecast isn't promising.

There are many alternatives.

[Francois]

Ok, thanks you!

FRC

[MikeNewYork]

Ok, thanks you!

FRC

You're welcome.

BTW, it's "thank you" -- no s or just "thanks".

:wink:

[Francois]

Right. Did you know they could make some pretty good wine in Chili?

FRC

[MikeNewYork]

Right. Did you know they could make some pretty good wine in Chili?

FRC

I've had some very good Chilean wine. :wink:

Your use of "could" there makes it appear as if the ability was in the past or is only a potential. I would have just left it out. :wink:

[Francois]

or is only a potential

That was on purpose -- would you imagine a French praising wine from other countries?

FRC

[MikeNewYork]

or is only a potential

That was on purpose -- would you imagine a French praising wine from other countries?

FRC

An honest Frenchman would!