Sneaky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sneaky

[ˈsniːki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

having or showing a clever and dishonest way of achieving something, especially by doing things secretly or quietly

Synonyms

crafty, deceitful, sly, underhanded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sneaky	Appropriate in situations where someone is acting in a secretive or furtive manner to avoid being caught. He took a sneaky look at the answers during the test. She made a sneaky escape from the party without saying goodbye.
deceitful	Generally used when someone is intentionally misleading or lying to others. This word has a strong negative connotation. Her deceitful behavior led to the company's downfall. It's wrong to be deceitful and not tell the truth.
sly	Often describes someone who is cunning and clever, and who can deceive others in a subtle and possibly charming way. The sly smile on his face made me suspicious. She gave a sly wink and slipped the note into my hand.
crafty	Used when referring to someone who uses clever and often tricky methods to achieve their goals, often in a creative way. He's a crafty negotiator who always gets the best deals. The crafty fox outsmarted the hunters once again.
underhanded	Refers to actions that are done in a secret and dishonest way, often to deceive or cheat someone. This term carries a negative implication. He was fired for his underhanded business dealings. Her underhanded tactics ruined her opponent's reputation.

Examples of usage

She had a sneaky suspicion that he was lying.
He gave her a sneaky smile as he walked past.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

manner

in a secret or sly way

Synonyms

secretly, slyly, stealthily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sneaky	Used to describe someone who acts in a way that is meant to be secretive or deceitful, often having a negative connotation. He had a sneaky plan to bypass the security system. She took a sneaky glance at her opponent's cards.
slyly	Indicates someone is being cunning or clever, often with the intention of tricking others, generally having a mischievous or slightly negative connotation. He smiled slyly, knowing he had the upper hand. She replied slyly, hinting at something without revealing too much.
stealthily	Describes doing something very quietly and carefully to avoid being noticed, usually in scenarios requiring caution and precision. The cat moved stealthily through the garden. He stealthily approached the enemy's camp to gather information.
secretly	Describes doing something in a way that keeps it hidden from others, usually without negative connotations. She secretly planned a surprise party for her friend. He was secretly working on a special project.

Examples of usage

He peeked sneaky through the keyhole.
She moved sneaky to avoid being seen.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In many cartoons, sneaky characters are often portrayed as tricksters, wearing disguises or tiptoeing around to create humor.
The popular video game series 'Sneaky Distraction' features a character who solves puzzles by being stealthy and clever.

Psychology

Sneaky behavior can sometimes be a strategy used by individuals to gain an advantage in social situations without direct confrontation.
Research shows that children may engage in sneaky behavior to test boundaries and learn about consequences in their interactions.

Literature

Classic literature often depicts sneaky characters as antagonists, challenging heroes with their clever plots, like the trickster in Greek tales.
In many fables, sneaky animals outsmart their enemies, teaching lessons about intelligence versus brute strength.

Everyday Life

In daily life, people might use sneaky tactics in games or competition, like playing poker where bluffing is key to winning.
Parents often warn children about the sneaky dangers of the internet, encouraging them to be aware of online scams.

Origin of 'sneaky'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sneaky' originated from 'sneak,' which itself comes from the Old English word 'snicca,' meaning 'to creep or crawl.'
The suffix 'y' was added in the early 20th century to form adjectives, giving it a playful and descriptive tone.

The word 'sneaky' originated from the Middle English word 'sneke', meaning to creep or crawl. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who acts in a secretive or deceitful manner. The negative connotation associated with 'sneaky' reflects society's disapproval of dishonest behavior.

See also: sneak, sneakers, sneakily, sneakiness, sneaking.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,124, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28121 atomized
28122 encirclement
28123 opinionated
28124 sneaky
28125 bucolic
28126 unmanly
28127 shoeing
...