rascally

[ ras-kuh-lee ]

adjective

1. being, characteristic of, or befitting a rascal.

adverb

1. in a rascally manner.

rascally

/ ˈrɑːskəlɪ /

adjective

1. dishonest or mean; base
2. archaic.
   (esp of places) wretchedly unpleasant; miserable

adverb

1. in a dishonest or mean fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of rascally¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; rascal + -ly

Example Sentences

“Christopher is irreverent and funny and rascally,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

But Twain is the Peter Pan of American literature, the rascally lost boy who never gets old.

From The Daily Beast

It contains a vigorous attack on the licence of the press and of the "impudent, rascally Printer."

From Project Gutenberg

"The two rascally milk-spillers from yesterday ought to be locked up for the whole day," Kurt suddenly exploded.

From Project Gutenberg

It sent me this thieving, rascally scheme of this man Perceval's, and it turned my boy's head, and lost him to me.

From Project Gutenberg

Daniel,” says he, in distress, “has that rascally Top misled you to this ridiculously romantic conclusion?

From Project Gutenberg

It wouldn't surprise me to learn that he put some rascally black up to the trick of punching that hole in my bath.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bawdy
• coarse
• foul-mouthed
• lewd
• naughty
• off-color
• racy
• rude
• sly