Crooked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
crooked
[หkrสkษชd ]
Definitions
in a dishonest or illegal way
Not straight, dishonest or illegal.
Synonyms
corrupt, dishonest, fraudulent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crooked |
Use this word when describing someone or something that is dishonest or illegal, especially in a sneaky or tricky way.
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| dishonest |
This is a more general term that can describe anyone who does not tell the truth or cheats.
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| corrupt |
This word is best used when talking about someone who has been morally weakened, often involving bribery or abuse of power.
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| fraudulent |
This word is used to describe actions or practices that involve deceit to gain something, often money.
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Examples of usage
- He was involved in a crooked business deal.
- The politician was known for his crooked dealings.
- She suspected that her neighbor was up to something crooked.
not in a straight line
Having bends or angles; not straight or aligned.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crooked |
Often used to describe something that is dishonest or morally wrong. It can also mean something not straight, like a path or a picture frame. It has a negative connotation when referring to dishonesty.
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| curved |
Describes something that smoothly changes direction without angles, like a road, a line, or a shape. It does not carry negative connotations.
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| bent |
Refers to something that has been forced out of its straight shape, usually through action. It can also imply determination, often in a negative way if someone is 'bent on' doing something harmful.
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| twisted |
Used to describe something that has been turned or wound into a spiral shape. It can also refer to something cruel or morally wrong, giving it a negative emotional tone in those instances.
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Examples of usage
- The crooked road wound through the mountains.
- She hung the crooked picture frame on the wall.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In popular folklore, a 'crooked man' is a character who often engages in mischievous or dishonest activities.
- The phrase 'crooked politician' has been common in media, portraying politicians accused of corruption.
- Several songs and stories depict 'crooked' as a term for struggles against a society perceived as unfair or deceitful.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that people often perceive 'crooked' shapes as less attractive, connecting straightness with beauty.
- The idea of 'crooked thinking' refers to creative problem-solving, challenging the conventional, providing new insights.
- Crookedness can symbolize in psychology the notion of imperfection, which can relate to human behavior and emotions.
Literature
- In Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' characters often embody crookedness as a metaphor for nonsensical behavior.
- The motif of crooked paths appears in many stories, representing life's unexpected turns and challenges.
- Shakespeare often used the term to describe treachery or moral corruption among characters, highlighting themes of deceit.
Origin of 'crooked'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'crooked' comes from the Old English word 'crocean,' meaning 'to bend or curve.'
- In Middle English, 'crooked' retained a similar meaning, referring to something that is bent out of shape.
- The expression 'crooked' has been used metaphorically to describe dishonest or immoral behavior.
The word 'crooked' originated from the Middle English word 'crokid,' which is derived from the Old Norse 'krรณkr,' meaning 'hooked.' Over time, the meaning of 'crooked' evolved to include both physical and moral deviations from straightness.