naughty

Everyday

1. Naughty describes a child or pet that behaves badly or does not obey. tree →
2. Naughty can describe something a bit rude or not proper, in a joking way. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and everyday life, especially with young children, naughty means misbehaving; Santa's «naughty or nice» list is a well-known idea. Phrases: «naughty step», «naughty or nice», «a naughty puppy».

Examples

• The naughty puppy chewed my shoe. tree →
• Don't be naughty in class. tree →
• He was sent to the naughty step. tree →
• Santa checks who's naughty or nice. tree →
• My little sister was naughty and hid the remote. tree →
• It was naughty of you to eat all the biscuits! tree →
• The naughty kitten knocked over the vase. tree →
• You naughty children--how could you be so disobedient? tree →

Note

Comparison: naughtier, naughtiest (y to i). Mostly used about children and pets; about adults it sounds funny or joking. The «gh» is silent: NAW-tee.

Early Modern English

Meaning

Bad, worthless or wicked; of no value. tree →

Then and now

Today it means a child who behaves badly; the old sense of worthless or wicked is no longer used, and the sentences use today's sense.

Examples

• I never knew her so naughty before.” (Peter Pan) tree →
• You naughty children--how could you be so disobedient? (The Book of Dragons) tree →
• “Fie!” said he. “How naughty a boy Cupid is! (Andersen's Fairy Tales) tree →

Note

Today: worthless, wicked.