adj
naughty
NAW-tee
adj
1
Badly behaved or mischievous, especially describing a child.
"The naughty puppy chewed up another shoe."
"Stop being naughty and eat your vegetables."
2
Mildly sexual or risqué in a playful, teasing way.
"He sent her a naughty text message."
"The comedian's naughty jokes made the audience blush."
How to Use Naughty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBehaving badly in a minor, often playful way, or cheekily suggestive.
When to use it
Usually light-hearted and affectionate, not a serious accusation of wrongdoing.
Common pairings
a naughty child
naughty behavior
feeling a bit naughty
Word Forms
naughtier comparative, naughtied past tense, naughties singular, naughtiest superlative
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Etymology
From Middle English naughty, built from naught ("nothing, wickedness") plus -y — originally meant "wicked" or "worthless" before softening to today's "mischievous" sense.