naughty
naughty — adjective
1. A child who is naughty does things they have been told not to do, or refuses to
A child who is naughty does things they have been told not to do, or refuses to follow rules set by parents or teachers.
The teacher told Niran that his naughty behaviour in class was not acceptable.
attributive use: naughty + behaviour
Bao's mother sent her to her room for being naughty and refusing to tidy up.
predicative use: be + naughty + reason
Ife knew she was naughty when she hid her sister's doll under the sofa.
The naughty puppy chewed through three pairs of shoes while we were out.
- disobedient
more formal; focuses on refusing to follow orders
- mischievous
more playful; suggests harmless tricks rather than deliberate defiance
- badly behaved
slightly more general; can describe any kind of poor conduct
- well-behaved
the most direct opposite for children
- obedient
formal; emphasizes following rules
文法句型
be + naughty
naughty + noun
用法筆記
Most common with children and pets. Can be used both attributively (a naughty child) and predicatively (the child was naughty).
常見錯誤
2. Used humorously about an adult who does something minor that breaks a social rul
Used humorously about an adult who does something minor that breaks a social rule or expectation, often in a playful or self-aware way — for example, eating dessert first or telling a cheeky joke at a formal dinner.
Gabriela felt a little naughty for eating dessert before her main course arrived.
feel + naughty + for + gerund
Tomás gave his wife a naughty grin after telling a joke at the ceremony.
attributive: naughty + grin
Ordering a pizza when the fridge is full of vegetables feels wonderfully naughty.
Christopher sent a naughty message to his friend during the long work meeting.
- mischievous
similar playful tone; can apply to adults too
- cheeky
more informal; implies boldness or mild impertinence
- playful
less judgemental; focuses on fun rather than rule-breaking
- well-behaved
straight-laced, following all rules
- proper
emphasises social correctness
文法句型
feel + naughty
a little + naughty
naughty + noun
用法筆記
This sense is always light-hearted and not truly critical. It is common in British English and self-deprecating humour. Unlike sense 1, it is never used about children.
常見錯誤
3. Describing something that is mildly improper because it involves or hints at sex
Describing something that is mildly improper because it involves or hints at sexual content, usually in a joking or teasing way — for example, a joke with a double meaning or a romantic novel with a few steamy scenes.
The comedian told naughty jokes that made some people blush and others laugh.
collocation: naughty + jokes
Hui bought a naughty Valentine's card with two chillies touching on the front.
The novel had a few naughty chapters, nothing worse than a mainstream film.
Wren whispered something naughty in her partner's ear and they both started giggling.
文法句型
naughty + noun
a bit + naughty
用法筆記
Light-hearted and teasing in tone. Not used for serious or explicit sexual content — in those contexts, words like explicit, pornographic, or adult are more appropriate. Avoid in formal or professional settings.