pawky

[ paw-kee ]

adjective

, Chiefly British.

, pawk·i·er, pawk·i·est.

1. cunning; sly.

pawky

/ ˈpɔːkɪ /

adjective

1. having or characterized by a dry wit

Derived Forms

• ˈpawkiness, noun
• ˈpawkily, adverb

Other Words From

• pawki·ly adverb
• pawki·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pawky¹

1670–80; Scots pawk trick + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pawky¹

C17: from Scottish pawk trick, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

And there is some smart material and pawky wit in “Burning Questions,” even if they huddle, trembling, like ferns behind a waterfall.

From New York Times

Volkswagen and Nike wanted his pawky sensibility, up to a point.

From The New Yorker

Paying tribute to Donald Dewar on one occasion, Mr McLetchie recalled the late first minister once accused him of having a "pawky manner", reminiscent of a Trollope novel.

From BBC

Meanwhile, he must keep clear of his estranged wife and make regular visits to a perceptive, pawkily humorous Indian psychiatrist.

From The Guardian

In her presence Mr James Petrie forgot several things, and among the rest, his father’s pawky hints about Miss Langrigs and her tocher, which were to be had for the asking, as he thought.

From Project Gutenberg