Definition

Adjective: 1. Deceitful or cunning: Characterized by or using clever, deceptive, or underhanded methods to achieve a goal. 2. Playfully mischievous or tricky: In a less negative sense, it can describe something that is playfully complex, intricate, or designed to puzzle or tease.

Usage

The word "tricksy" is somewhat archaic and literary. It is used to describe a person, action, or thing that employs or involves clever deception, cunning, or playful complexity. It often carries a tone of wary admiration or lighthearted annoyance.

Examples

• Describing a person's character:
  • The old sailor was a tricksy fellow, never telling a straight story.
  • Be careful negotiating with him; he has a tricksy mind.
• Describing a deceptive action or scheme:
  • They devised a tricksy plan to win the competition.
  • The contract was full of tricksy clauses.
• Describing something playfully complex or puzzling:
  • The puzzle was delightfully tricksy, taking hours to solve.
  • The author has a tricksy narrative style, often misleading the reader.

Advanced Usage

• "Tricksy" vs. "Tricky": While often synonymous, "tricksy" can imply a more deliberate, artful, or whimsical kind of deception or complexity, whereas "tricky" is more common and broadly means difficult or requiring careful handling.
• Literary/Archaic Tone: Using "tricksy" instead of more common words like "cunning" or "deceitful" can give language an old-fashioned, poetic, or characterful flavor.

Variants and Related Words

• Trick (n/v): The core concept of a deceitful or clever act.
• Tricky (adj): Difficult to deal with; requiring skill; deceitful.
• Trickster (n): A person who cheats or deceives people.

Synonyms

• Cunning: Skilled in achieving one's ends by deceit.
• Sly: Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature.
• Wily: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully.
• Deceitful: Guilty of or involving deception.
• Artful: Clever or skillful, typically in a crafty or cunning way.
• Mischievous: Causing or fond of causing trouble in a playful way.

Idioms and Phrases

• None that use "tricksy" as a standalone component. The word itself is rarely the base for common idioms. Related idioms use the root word "trick":
  • Play a trick on someone: To deceive someone as a joke or scheme.
  • Trick of the light: An illusion caused by the way light falls on something.
  • Do the trick: To achieve the desired result.

Adjective

1. 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