she-devil
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A cruel, malicious, or wicked woman; a woman who behaves in a vicious or spiteful manner.
Usage
The term "she-devil" is a compound noun used as a pejorative label. It strongly emphasizes perceived evil, cruelty, or malevolence in a woman's character or actions. It is often used in hyperbolic or figurative contexts.
Examples
- In the novel, the stepmother was portrayed as a complete she-devil, making the children's lives miserable.
- After she spread those vicious rumors, everyone started calling her a she-devil behind her back.
- The boss can be a real she-devil when project deadlines are approaching.
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently dramatic and is frequently found in fictional narratives (gothic novels, horror, drama) to describe a female antagonist.
- Its use in modern, everyday speech is often intended to be humorous or exaggerated, though it can still be deeply offensive depending on context and tone.
Variants and Related Words
- Hellcat (noun): A violently temperamental or quarrelsome woman.
- Virago (noun): A domineering, violent, or bad-tempered woman. (More formal/literary)
- Harpy (noun): A predatory, scolding, or vicious woman. (From mythology)
- Termagant (noun): A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman. (Archaic)
Synonyms
- Shrew
- Vixen
- Fury
- Witch (in the pejorative sense)
Antonyms
- Angel
- Saint
- Sweetheart
Notes on Meaning
The word compounds "she" (female) with "devil" (the embodiment of evil), creating a gendered insult that attributes extreme wickedness specifically to a woman. Its meaning is almost entirely focused on character and behavior rather than physical appearance.
Noun
- a cruel woman