Cagey Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cagey
[หkeษชdสi ]
Definition
attitude, behavior
Cagey refers to being cautious or evasive, especially in a way that suggests a desire to hide one's thoughts or intentions. It often describes someone who is reluctant to give information or who avoids direct answers.
Synonyms
evasive, guarded, reserved, secretive.
Examples of usage
- He was cagey about his financial situation.
- The politician gave a cagey response to the question.
- She remained cagey, not revealing her plans.
Translations
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Origin of 'cagey'
The word 'cagey' originated in the late 19th century, in American English. It is believed to be a variant of the word 'cage', which is related to the concept of being confined or restricted. The implication of being 'cagey' is that a person may feel trapped or vulnerable, prompting them to withhold information or act cautiously. The 'y' suffix may have been added to suggest a quality, similar to other descriptive adjectives. Thus, 'cagey' conveys not just wariness but also a sense of protectiveness of oneโs own thoughts and feelings. The term has evolved to encompass broader meanings of shrewdness and craftiness, often noted in discussions of business and politics.