rascally
2
6.8
- adjective
- /ˈræskəli/
- Informal
- Those rascally kids always find a way to make trouble during recess.
- rascally rabbits
- rascally fellow
- rascally young
Examples
-
31st or 32nd, I think, but at least the stereotypical conniving Arab had company in the form of a planet full of stereotypical submissive Protestant Scotsmen and a planet full of rascally rebellious Irish.
Blog text (16) -
They started out selfish... those rascally brothers... but made Christmas magic by thinking of others.
-
Get out, and follow them rascally friends of yours.
-
I can always count on you to deliver, you little rascally devil.
-
And he said, oh, that that rascally Conan.
-
That Shrek is a rascally devil.
-
What a rascally cutie!
Blog text (12) -
I had always been the family pip-squeak, rascally, pigeon-toed, with a shrill laugh like a tea kettle hitting a boil.
Fiction book (1997) -
Rascally moleques truly had been transformed into dangerous meninos de rua (street children).
Academic text (1997) -
The rascally puppy playfully tugged at my shoelaces, making everyone laugh.
Synonyms
27
3.5
Causing playful trouble that is not harmful
22
5.8
Being playful and a little rude in a way that teases people
16
4.4
Being very naughty in a playful, clever way
4
7.0
Lively and slightly odd in a way that makes people smile
3
6.7
Showing playful, friendly mischief
1
7.7
Shows playful energy and plays small tricks to surprise people
1
6.3
Acting playful and slightly naughty, often doing small harmless tricks
Antonyms
How Mischievous
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Rascally comes from rascal, which once meant a rogue or member of the 'rabble' in Old French. Over time the idea softened, so rascally often describes playful, naughty behavior that is more charming than harmful.