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naughty bit

naughty bit

9.5
A short part of a film, book, or joke that is slightly rude
  • noun
  • /ˈnɔti bɪt/
  • NSFW
translation icon : parte traviesa
  • The film had some naughty bits that made the audience giggle.

Examples

  • This novel features several naughty bits that add humor without being overly explicit.

  • In her comedy routine, she included a few naughty bits that kept the crowd entertained.

  • The almost naughty bits: I have to admit this is one of the hottest books I have ever read that has no actual sex scenes.

    Blog text (25)
  • Trick is a character worth cheering for; the plot is fairly fast-paced, and the almost naughty bits are every bit as good as actual naughty bits.

    Blog text (25)
  • Trick is a character worth cheering for; the plot is fairly fast-paced, and the almost naughty bits are every bit as good as actual naughty bits.

    Blog text (25)

Synonyms

naughty word
vsnaughty bit
  • Offensive
1 6.1

A rude word that is not for children

is an informal phrase for a mildly risqué portion not a single word
racy scene
vsnaughty bit
  • Offensive
1 8.4

A part of a film or book that suggests sex

is a milder informal reference to a brief risqué part

How Risque

explicit
  • NSFW
7.4
racy scene
  • Offensive
1 8.4
naughty bit
  • NSFW
9.5
saucy remark
  • Informal
6.7
innocent
2 2.2

Surface Forms

naughty bit singular
naughty bits plural

Morphology

naughty + bit

The meaning 'a risqué or mildly indecent part' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'naughty' (playfully indecent) with 'bit' (a short part or joke). This adjective+noun composition follows normal English semantics and is easily inferable by a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Naughty bit comes from putting together naughty, meaning slightly improper or cheeky, and bit, meaning a small piece or short part of a show. Imagine a tiny, mischievous part of a story that makes people laugh or blush, and that's why it means 'a short, mildly indecent part' today.