Sheepish: meaning, definitions and examples
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sheepish
[ ˈʃiːpɪʃ ]
social behavior
Sheepish describes a feeling of embarrassment or self-consciousness, particularly in social situations. A person who is sheepish may feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially when they have made a mistake or are being called out. This term evokes the image of a sheep, which is often seen as timid or shy. Being sheepish often involves looking down or avoiding eye contact, as one might feel remorseful or bashful. It is an emotional response that can arise in many different scenarios.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He gave a sheepish smile after tripping over his own feet.
- She felt sheepish when her mistake was pointed out in front of the group.
- His sheepish demeanor suggested that he knew he had committed a faux pas.
Translations
Translations of the word "sheepish" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tímido
🇮🇳 शर्मिंदा
🇩🇪 schüchtern
🇮🇩 malu
🇺🇦 сором'язливий
🇵🇱 nieśmiały
🇯🇵 恥ずかしい (hazukashii)
🇫🇷 timide
🇪🇸 tímido
🇹🇷 utangaç
🇰🇷 수줍은 (sujubeun)
🇸🇦 خجول (khajool)
🇨🇿 nesmělý
🇸🇰 plachý
🇨🇳 害羞 (hàixiū)
🇸🇮 sramežljiv
🇮🇸 feiminn
🇰🇿 ұяң
🇬🇪 დაჭერილი (dach'erili)
🇦🇿 utanclı
🇲🇽 tímido
Etymology
The word 'sheepish' comes from the Middle English term 'shepish', which literally means 'like a sheep'. This etymology reflects the quiet, timid, and often confused behavior associated with sheep. The use of the term to describe human behavior first appeared in the 14th century. Sheep, as animals, are not known for their boldness and assertiveness, which sets the foundation for the emotional states described by the term. Over time, 'sheepish' has evolved within the English language to encompass not just the literal likeness to sheep but also the broader implications of feeling awkward or shy. This transformation in meaning reflects cultural perceptions of sheep as gentle and easily intimidated creatures.