squinty
Definition
Adjective: 1. (Of eyes or a glance) Directed sideways, especially in a way that suggests doubt, suspicion, envy, or secrecy. This meaning describes the direction of a look, not the physical state of the eyes. 2. (Of eyes) Characterized by squinting; partly closed. This meaning describes the physical narrowing of the eyes, often due to bright light, effort to see, or strong emotion.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Meaning 1: Directed sideways):
- She gave him a squinty look of disbelief when he told his unlikely story.
- The cat watched the bird with a squinty, calculating gaze.
- Adjective (Meaning 2: Characterized by squinting):
- His face was wrinkled and squinty from a lifetime working in the sun.
- She made a squinty face as she tried to read the tiny print.
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a connotation of skepticism, mistrust, or intense scrutiny when describing a glance (Meaning 1).
- When describing the physical eyes (Meaning 2), it can imply concentration, discomfort (from light), or a habitual facial expression.
Variants and Related Words
- Squint (verb/noun): The action or state of partly closing one's eyes.
- Verb: He had to squint to see the sign in the distance.
- Noun: She looked at the map with a squint.
- Squint-eyed (adjective): An older or less common synonym, often carrying the same two meanings as "squinty."
Synonyms
- For Meaning 1 (glance): Askance, sidelong, sideways, oblique.
- For Meaning 2 (eyes): Narrowed, partly closed, scrunched-up.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Look at someone squinty-eyed: To regard someone with suspicion or distrust.
- The old-timers looked at the newcomer squinty-eyed until he proved himself.
Adjective
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(used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy
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her eyes with their misted askance look- Elizabeth Bowen
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sidelong glances
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characterized by squinting
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he looked with squinty eyes
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