foxy
/'fɔksi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Sly, cunning, or crafty: Having or showing skill in deception or trickery; clever in a dishonest or secretive way.
- Resembling or suggestive of a fox: Often used to describe a physical appearance, especially reddish-brown hair or a sharp, clever facial expression.
- (Informal, especially of a woman) Sexually attractive in a provocative or sly way.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a cunning person or scheme:
- He was too foxy to fall for such an obvious trap.
- The detective uncovered a foxy plot to steal the jewels.
- Describing appearance:
- She has striking, foxy red hair.
- He gave me a foxy grin before telling his secret.
- Informal use:
- The movie star was known for her foxy charm.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Foxy" vs. "Cunning": While both imply cleverness, "foxy" often carries a more playful or attractive connotation, whereas "cunning" can be more neutral or negative.
- Cultural/Historical Context: The term has been used, sometimes problematically, to objectify women by linking cleverness and sexual attractiveness. Modern usage requires sensitivity to this context.
Variants and Related Words
- Foxily (adverb): In a foxy or cunning manner.
- He foxily avoided answering the direct question.
- Foxiness (noun): The quality of being foxy.
- Her plan was executed with remarkable foxiness.
Synonyms
- Sly
- Cunning
- Wily
- Crafty
- Guileful
- Slick (informal)
Antonyms
- Gullible
- Naive
- Ingenuous
- Artless
- Straightforward
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- Sly as a fox / Foxy as a fox: An idiom emphasizing extreme cunning.
- Be careful negotiating with her; she's sly as a fox.
- (To be) a foxy lady: A dated informal idiom for an attractive, confident woman.
- That singer is a real foxy lady.
Adjective
- marked by skill in deception
- cunning men often pass for wise
- deep political machinations
- a foxy scheme
- a slick evasive answer
- sly as a fox
- tricky Dick
- a wily old attorney