Louche ultimately comes from the Latin word luscus, meaning "blind in one eye" or "having poor sight." This Latin term gave rise to the French louche, meaning "squinting" or "cross-eyed." The French gave their term a figurative sense as well, taking that squinty look to mean "shady" or "devious." English speakers didn't see the need for the sight-impaired uses when they borrowed the term in the 19th century, but they kept the figurative one. The word is still quite visible today and is used to describe both people and things of questionable repute.
Recent Examples on the WebFew actors have had a buzzier 2022 than Jon Bernthal, so hopes are high for this Showtime series inspired by the 1980 erotic neo-noir film that made Richard Gere (and his louche Armani wardrobe) a star. Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 Kalman looked smart by her side in a summer shirt, louche trousers and Doc Martens Derby shoes. Alice Cary, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2022 Since the early 1800s, when rich, high-ranking Ottoman officials known as pashas were said to have used their houseboats to rendezvous with their mistresses, the boats have radiated a kind of louche, half-light glamour. Vivian Yee, BostonGlobe.com, 29 June 2022 The Israeli-American designer who left a corporate design job in 2003 to launch a six-piece collection has steadily grown her label into a chic yet louche luxury womenswear brand. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes, 25 July 2022 Their retro suggestiveness is colored by our perception of the early ’70s as a uniquely louche and glamorous time, a compelling contrast to our own more scripted era. Nancy Macdonell, WSJ, 22 June 2022 Its louche luxe projects, helmed by founders Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, include numerous outposts of the Ace Hotel. The Editors Of Elle Decor, ELLE Decor, 1 June 2022 The Duke, on the other hand, is louche and unctuous, the human personification of privilege lounging in a fabulous dressing gown. Hugh Ryan, Town & Country, 25 May 2022 With a louche silhouette, a bootiful backside and river-stone smoothness, the 230i Coupe is affordably gorgeous—enough but not too much, swag wise. Dan Neil, WSJ, 19 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
French, literally, cross-eyed, squint-eyed, from Latin luscus blind in one eye