naughty

[naw-tee]

adjective

naughtier, naughtiest 

1. disobedient; mischievous (used especially in speaking to or about children).

   Weren't we naughty not to eat our spinach?

   Synonyms: wayward, willful

2. improper, tasteless, indecorous, or indecent.

   a naughty word.

3. Obsolete.,  wicked; evil.

naughty

/ ˈnɔːtɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of children or their behaviour) mischievous or disobedient; bad

2. mildly indecent; titillating

noun

1. slang,  an act of sexual intercourse

Other Word Forms

• naughtiness noun
• naughtily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of naughty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; naught + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of naughty¹

C14 (originally: needy, of poor quality): from _naught

Example Sentences

Earlier in the trial, the court heard Windsor had sent a note calling Ms Klass a "naughty vixen".

Read more on BBC

The trial previously heard he sent a note calling Ms Klass a naughty vixen and wrote Ms Breathwick a letter saying he wanted to go paddling in a lake with both women while drinking champagne.

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Melted, draped or crumbled, it should feel both luxurious and a little bit naughty.

Read more on Salon

"Us British are proud of our country, but it's being taken over. Am I talking naughty? I don't care."

Read more on BBC

The Pike in Long Beach and the Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica had distinct personality: One was a bit naughty and coarse and the other was wholesome and futuristic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• headstrong 
• impish 
• mischievous 
• playful 
• rowdy 
• wicked 

When To Use

What does naughty mean?

Naughty means disobedient, mischievous, or generally misbehaving, particularly when applied to children.Naughty is usually used in reference to misbehavior that’s minor or mischievous, as opposed to more serious disobedience. In this way, it’s also sometimes applied to pets.Example: If you kids start to get naughty before bedtime, I’m going to take away your TV privileges. In a much different context, naughty is used to describe things that are sexually suggestive, as in naughty jokes, or things that pertain to sex, often in a way that’s hidden, forbidden, or secret. In this way, it is often used playfully or as a euphemism (a milder substitute of what is being referred to).Example: Oh my God, have you two been doing naughty stuff in the supply shed?