Definition

Clever and often deceitful; likely to cause trouble or require careful handling.

Example

The tricksy fox outsmarted the hunters with its clever maneuvers.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that tricksy cat sneaking around the garden?

Yeah, it’s always getting into trouble!

I wonder what it was after this time.

Probably just looking for some mischief to cause!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tricksy → The word is derived from "trick" (from Middle English *trik*, meaning a cunning or deceitful act) and the suffix "-sy" (a diminutive suffix indicating a quality or state). The term "tricksy" describes someone or something that is characterized by trickery or cunning behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of 'trick' as a cunning act, and the '-sy' suffix suggests a quality, so 'tricksy' means having the quality of being tricky or cunning.

Visually Confused Words