The Word of the Day comes from THE WEEKEND by Charlotte Wood which is longlisted for the 2020 Stella Prize.
LOUCHE
ADJECTIVE loucher (comparative adjective) · louchest (superlative adjective) disreputable or sordid in a rakish or appealing way. "the louche world of the theatre" synonyms: scandalous · of bad reputation · infamous · notorious · dishonourable · dishonest · villainous · rascally · ignominious · corrupt · unscrupulous · unprincipled · immoral · untrustworthy · discreditable · contemptible · reprehensible · despicable · disgraceful · shameful · shocking · outrageous · unworthy · base · low · mean · questionable · suspect · suspicious · dubious · unsavoury · slippery · seedy · sleazy · seamy · unwholesome · crooked · shady · shifty · fishy · dodgy antonyms: reputable · respectable
ORIGIN early 19th century: from French, literally ‘squinting’.