The term "checkered" has two possible meanings.
1) It can refer to a pattern consisting of alternating light and dark squares, often associated with chessboards or black-and-white printed fabrics. This usage is usually applied to describe visual designs or patterns.
2) The word can also be used figuratively to indicate something that is irregular, unpredictable, or full of variety. For example, a person's behavior might be described as "checkered" if it alternates between different moods or actions.