naughtiness

/ˈnɔːtinəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnɔːtinəs/ (ame, ipa) · /|ēnə̇s |in-/ (ame, mw)

naughtiness — noun

1. playful or disobedient behavior that breaks rules in a light, childlike way with

1.名詞B1
釋義

playful or disobedient behavior that breaks rules in a light, childlike way without causing serious harm.

例句

Theo's naughtiness in class annoyed the teacher during the spelling test.

naughtiness in class; classroom behavior

Camila laughed at her brother's naughtiness when he hid the TV remote.

someone's naughtiness; playful family context

同義詞
  • mischief

    often even more playful, especially for children or small pranks

  • cheekiness

    focuses more on bold or impudent attitude than on actions

  • disobedience

    stronger and less playful; emphasizes refusing to follow rules or orders

反義詞

文法句型

someone's naughtiness

naughtiness in + place

apologize for naughtiness

用法筆記

Usually uncountable. Most often used for children, pets, or other mild rule-breaking, not for genuinely dangerous or criminal acts.

常見錯誤

❌The twins did many naughtinesses at the wedding.
✅The twins were full of naughtiness at the wedding.
💡'naughtiness' is usually uncountable.

2. jokes, talk, or behavior that gets attention by hinting at sex or body topics in

2.名詞B2
釋義

jokes, talk, or behavior that gets attention by hinting at sex or body topics in a way many people find rude or low-class.

例句

The play's naughtiness made several parents cover their children's ears.

sexual or rude stage content

Yuna rolled her eyes at the radio host's tired sexual naughtiness.

sexual naughtiness; criticism of media tone

同義詞
  • vulgarity

    stronger and more openly negative; suggests bad taste as well as rudeness

  • suggestiveness

    milder; focuses on hinting rather than being openly dirty

  • bawdiness

    more literary and old-fashioned; especially for joking sexual humor

反義詞
  • decency

    behavior or language that stays within accepted social limits

  • propriety

    more formal; emphasizes socially correct behavior

文法句型

sexual naughtiness

cheap naughtiness

a little naughtiness

用法筆記

Usually used when the content itself is sexual or slightly dirty, especially in comedy, films, or advertising. Distinguish from sense 1, which can describe ordinary mischief with no sexual meaning.

常見錯誤

❌The film had many naughtinesses in it.
✅The film had a lot of sexual naughtiness in it.
💡this sense is usually uncountable and often needs sexual context.