Heady Meaning and Definition
Heady
Pronunciation
/ˈhɛdi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sly and cunning individual, often used to describe someone who is clever and resourceful but also potentially deceitful or untrustworthy.
Examples
- The heady was known for his clever tricks and schemes.
- He became a heady in the city after years of hustling.
Synonyms
- Sly
- Cunning
- Precocious
Antonyms
- Naive
- Trusting
- Guileless
Etymology
The word “heady” originated from the Old English word “heah”, meaning “high” or “lofty”, and was later influenced by Middle English words such as “heyde”, meaning “cunning” or “clever”.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, the term “heady” is often used to describe someone who is both clever and duplicitous, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Cultural References
The word “heady” has appeared in popular culture, most notably in the TV show “Breaking Bad” where the character Jesse Pinkman refers to himself as a “heady”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Heady as a ripe crabapple”: Used to describe someone who is sly and cunning.
Related Words or Phrases
- Street smarts
- Cheeky
- Sly
Collocations
- Heady stuff
- Heady deal
- Heady situation
Frequency of Use
The word “heady” is relatively rare in modern language, but has seen a surge in usage in recent years due to its versatility and nuance.
Common Misspellings
- Heedey
- Headdy
- Headie