adjective
naughty
Behaving badly or disobeying rules, especially in a playful way.
The naughty puppy steals a sock and runs away.
Etymology
Naughty is built on naught, meaning nothing. It earlier suggested worthlessness or badness, then softened into the familiar description of mischievous or disobedient behavior.
More examples
- She gives a naughty grin before hiding her brother's hat.
- The children get naughtier when they are tired.
- Drawing on the wall is naughty, even with washable markers.
Forms
naughty · naughtier · naughtiest
naughtiness noun — Bad behavior, often playful or disobedient.
Similar words
- mischievous
- Suggests playful troublemaking rather than direct disobedience to rules.
- disobedient
- Emphasizes refusing to follow instructions, without suggesting playful intent.