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Crooked: meaning, definitions and examples

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crooked

 

[ˈkrʊkɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a dishonest or illegal way

Not straight, dishonest or illegal.

Synonyms

corrupt, dishonest, fraudulent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crooked

Use this word when describing someone or something that is dishonest or illegal, especially in a sneaky or tricky way.

  • The politician was known for his crooked deals
  • The company engaged in crooked business practices
dishonest

This is a more general term that can describe anyone who does not tell the truth or cheats.

  • It's dishonest to lie to your friends
  • The store owner was dishonest about the product's quality
corrupt

This word is best used when talking about someone who has been morally weakened, often involving bribery or abuse of power.

  • The government official was removed from office due to his corrupt activities
  • Corrupt leaders can damage a nation's prosperity
fraudulent

This word is used to describe actions or practices that involve deceit to gain something, often money.

  • He was arrested for fraudulent transactions
  • The company was involved in a fraudulent scheme to deceive investors

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

not in a straight line

Having bends or angles; not straight or aligned.

Synonyms

bent, curved, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The police arrested the crooked politician for corruption.
  • The picture frame on the wall is crooked.
curved

Describes something that smoothly changes direction without angles, like a road, a line, or a shape. It does not carry negative connotations.

  • The road curved gently around the lake.
  • Her handwriting was neat and curved.
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.

  • The metal rod got bent during the storm.
  • She was bent on finding out the truth, no matter what.
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.

  • The vine twisted around the tree trunk.
  • He had a twisted sense of humor that made others uncomfortable.

Examples of usage

  • The crooked road wound through the mountains.
  • She hung the crooked picture frame on the wall.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "crooked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 torto

🇮🇳 टेढ़ा

🇩🇪 krumm

🇮🇩 bengkok

🇺🇦 кривий

🇵🇱 krzywy

🇯🇵 曲がった (magatta)

🇫🇷 courbé

🇪🇸 torcido

🇹🇷 eğri

🇰🇷 구부러진 (gubureojin)

🇸🇦 معوج

🇨🇿 křivý

🇸🇰 krivý

🇨🇳 弯曲的 (wānqū de)

🇸🇮 križan

🇮🇸 skakkur

🇰🇿 қисық

🇬🇪 მრუდე

🇦🇿 əyri

🇲🇽 torcido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,272, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.