pawky

American  

[paw-kee] / ˈpɔ ki /

adjective

Chiefly British.

pawkier, pawkiest

1. cunning; sly.

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pawky British  

/ ˈpɔːkɪ /

adjective

1. having or characterized by a dry wit

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Other Word Forms

• pawkily adverb
• pawkiness noun

Etymology

Origin of pawky

1670–80; Scots pawk trick + -y ¹

Explanation

If you're known as being pawky, you've got a sly, mischievous sense of humor. The pawky one in your group of friends is probably good at making everyone laugh while barely cracking a smile. You're most likely to encounter the word pawky in Scotland, but it's a good way to describe someone who's got a sardonic wit, wherever you happen to be. You might surprise people with your pawky wit if you're usually quiet and retiring. Pawky is Scots, and it's also used in Northern England, from the Northern English pawk, or "trick."

Example Sentences

"To Pamela who knows very well the things I'll suggest if she's going to write on the front of this pawky book," it reads.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2023

Volkswagen and Nike wanted his pawky sensibility, up to a point.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 1, 2017

This is no fault of Richard McCabe, who plays Wilson with a nice pawky humour.

From The Guardian • Mar. 5, 2013

Characteristically, the pawky Mr. Morris’s response to the lyrics is often as pointed as it is to Beethoven’s arrangements.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2011

But the balladist carries everything before him by the verve and good humour and pawky wit of his song.

From The Balladists Famous Scots Series by Geddie, John