| / English Dictionary |
SAUCY
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Irregular inflected forms: saucier , sauciest
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Improperly forward or bold
Example:
Don't get wise with me!
Synonyms:
fresh; impertinent; impudent; overbold; sassy; saucy; smart; wise
Classified under:
Similar:
forward (used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty)
Derivation:
sauciness (inappropriate playfulness)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
Example:
a certain irreverent gaiety and ease of manner
Synonyms:
impertinent; irreverent; pert; saucy
Classified under:
Similar:
spirited (displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness)
Context examples:
Ah, saucy! saucy, quoth he, with gentle chiding; on which the bear, uncertain and puzzled, dropped its four legs to earth again, and, waddling back, was soon swathed in ropes by the bear-ward and a crowd of peasants who had been in close pursuit.
(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
But her faith in the good spot which exists in the heart of the naughtiest, sauciest, most tantalizing little ragamuffin gave her patience, skill, and in time success, for no mortal boy could hold out long with Father Bhaer shining on him as benevolently as the sun, and Mother Bhaer forgiving him seventy times seven.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
When they had all talked a little while in harmony of the weather and Mrs. Weston, she found herself abruptly addressed with, Do not you think, Miss Woodhouse, our saucy little friend here is charmingly recovered?
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
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