Cagy

/ˈkeɪdʒi/ adjective

Definition

Evasive, wary, or unwilling to commit to a clear position; secretively cautious.

Etymology

From 'cage' or possibly circus/carnival slang, gaining popularity in American English by the 1890s. Possibly related to the behavior of caged animals or the literal cages around early basketball courts.

Kelly Says

Nobody knows for certain where 'cagy' came from, but it perfectly captures that feeling when someone is answering you without actually answering—it's a word that feels like it describes behavior rather than stating facts.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.