Sheepish Meaning and Definition
Sheepish
Pronunciation
/ˈʃiːpɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Sadly guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed; feeling shame or remorse for something done or said.
Etymology
The word “Sheepish” originates from the Old English word “sheep”, meaning “sheep” or “flock”, and the suffix “-ish”, forming an adjective indicating a quality or characteristic. Over time, the phrase “looking sheepish” became a common idiom to describe someone feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Usage Notes
“Sheepish” is often used to describe someone’s emotional state, especially in situations where they might feel guilty or embarrassed for something they’ve done or said. It’s often used in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family.
Cultural References
“Sheepish” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. In popular culture, it is often used to describe characters’ emotions, such as in the film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” where the character Ron Weasley feels sheepish for getting into trouble.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Looking sheepish
- Felling sheepish
Related Words or Phrases
- Guilty
- Embarrassed
- Ashamed
Collocations
- feeling sheepish about something
- looking sheepish at someone
Frequency of Use
The word “Sheepish” is used relatively infrequently, but it is gaining popularity in modern language due to its ability to convey a range of emotions and situations.
Common Misspellings
- Sheepishs
- Shephys