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

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

From Salon

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any pet, bulldogs can turn naughty when bored.

From Los Angeles Times

"Since he was three years old, my son has been labelled as the naughty and difficult kid when all he really needed was help," she said.

From BBC

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?