Naughty Meaning and Definition
Nauty
Pronunciation
/ˈnɔɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A mischievous or unruly child or individual, known for their playful and uncontrollable behavior.
Examples
- The naughty kid in class always got into trouble.
- Nauty children can be a handful for parents.
Synonyms
- Mischief-maker
- Trouble-maker
Antonyms
- Well-behaved
- Rebellious
Etymology
The word “Nauty” is derived from the Middle English word “naughty,” meaning disobedient or unruly. It is believed to have originated in the 14th century as an adjective describing children who misbehaved or disobeyed authority.
Usage Notes
Nauty is often used to describe children or individuals who engage in mischievous or troublesome behavior. It is important to use this term in a descriptive and not pejorative manner.
Cultural References
Nauty has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television. For example, the term has been used in the popular TV show “The Muppet Babies” to describe the mischievous behavior of the main characters.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Not guilty, but nauty
- Nauty as a fox
Related Words or Phrases
- Mischief-maker
- Trouble-maker
- Rebel
Collocations
- Nauty kid
- Nauty behavior
- Nauty eyes
Frequency of Use
Nauty is a relatively uncommon term in modern language, but it is still widely used in certain contexts, such as in literature and popular culture.
Common Misspellings
- Naughty
- Nauti
- Nawty