Sheepish: meaning, definitions and examples
😳
sheepish
[ˈʃiːpɪʃ ]
Definition
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
awkward, bashful, embarrassed.
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'sheepish' originates from the word 'sheep,' suggesting a sense of timidity or meekness, similar to how sheep are often seen as shy animals.
- It first entered English around the early 16th century, reflecting a time when people commonly associated sheep with gentleness.
Psychology
- Experiencing sheepishness often relates to social anxiety, where individuals feel uncomfortable in social situations, especially when drawing attention to themselves.
- A sheepish demeanor can indicate a desire for acceptance while fearing negative judgment from others.
Pop Culture
- Characters in movies and literature often display sheepish behaviors when they’re caught doing something silly, embodying the relatable theme of feeling embarrassed.
- The term is commonly used in dialogue where a character acknowledges a mistake, making it a frequent choice in comedy to highlight humor in embarrassment.
Animal Behavior
- Sheep, by nature, exhibit a range of herd behaviors that include a flock mentality, which may tie to the concept of being sheepish by avoiding standing out.
- Young sheep display playful, yet bashful behavior, often hiding when new animals or people are introduced to their environment.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters displaying sheepish traits often undergo significant personal growth, learning to embrace their vulnerabilities.
- The word evokes imagery in poetry, where poets compare emotional states to the gentleness associated with sheep, often exploring themes of shyness and introspection.
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