Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Badly behaved, disobedient: Used to describe someone, especially a child, who behaves badly or does not do what they are told.
   • Mildly indecent or sexually suggestive: Used to describe something that is slightly improper, risqué, or humorously related to sex.

Usage

• The word "naughty" is commonly used to describe mischievous behavior in children. It is often less severe than "bad" or "wicked."
• When referring to adults or content, it describes something that is playfully or humorously indecent, often in a teasing or flirtatious way.

Examples

• Describing bad behavior:

  • The teacher told the parents that their son was being naughty in class.
  • It was naughty of you to take a cookie without asking.

• Describing risqué content or behavior:

  • She gave him a naughty smile from across the room.
  • The comedian told a few naughty jokes that made the audience laugh.

Advanced Usage

• "Naughty but nice": A phrase used to describe something, often food, that is indulgent or sinful but very enjoyable.
  • This chocolate cake is naughty but nice.
• "Naughty step" / "Naughty corner": A method of discipline where a misbehaving child is made to sit alone for a short time.
  • If you don't stop throwing toys, you'll have to sit on the naughty step.

Variants and Related Words

• Naughtily (adverb): In a naughty manner.
  • The child grinned naughtily after hiding the toy.
• Naughtiness (noun): The quality or state of being naughty.
  • A little bit of naughtiness is normal for a toddler.

Synonyms

• Mischievous: Causing or showing a fondness for playful misbehavior.
• Disobedient: Refusing to obey rules or someone in authority.
• Risqué: Slightly indecent or liable to shock, especially in a sexual context.
• Cheeky: Impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way.

Related Phrases

• Naughty list: A humorous concept, especially at Christmas, listing children who have misbehaved and may not receive gifts from Santa Claus.
  • You better be good, or you'll end up on Santa's naughty list.

Idioms

• A naughty boy/girl: Often used humorously or affectionately to describe an adult who has done something mildly improper.
  • Oh, you naughty boy! You shouldn't have peeked at your birthday presents.

Adjective

1. badly behaved
   • a naughty boy
2. suggestive of sexual impropriety
   • a blue movie
   • blue jokes
   • he skips asterisks and gives you the gamy details
   • a juicy scandal
   • a naughty wink
   • naughty words
   • racy anecdotes
   • a risque story
   • spicy gossip