Mischievous

/ˈmɪstʃɪvəs/ adjective

Definition

Playfully troublesome or naughty in a lighthearted way; inclined to cause minor problems as a prank.

Etymology

From Old French 'mischief,' derived from 'mes-' (badly) and 'chief' (an end or outcome). Originally meant 'to come to a bad end,' but evolved to mean playful wrongdoing rather than serious harm.

Kelly Says

Most people mispronounce this word as 'mis-CHEE-vee-us' when it's actually 'MIS-cha-vus'—and that mispronunciation is so common that some dictionaries now accept both versions!

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