an evil streak

USAGE SUMMARY

'an evil streak' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a tendency to engage in malicious or evil behavior. For example, "She had an evil streak in her that caused her to take pleasure in other people's misfortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He had an evil streak in him.

The Guardian - Music

He introduces the god of love as an exquisite young man with an evil streak, who spends his time, "running up and down in the nights from house to house and corrupting the lawful marriages of every person".

The Economist

In addition, there are subplots about two surfer dudes who can't stop wrestling, a sexually frustrated mother with a shady past and a wheelchair-bound vixen with an evil streak.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another choreographer might have been tempted simply to retell the story of a Tezuka creation: Black Jack, for instance, the superhuman surgeon with the evil streak, who once operated on himself in the middle of the Australian outback surrounded by hungry dingoes.

The Guardian

The real shock is not in what Joffrey's evil streak can accomplish but in what Ned Stark's virtue fails to prevent.

The New Yorker

"An evil lot, an evil lot.

The New Yorker

Yeah, an evil mirror.

Independent

The Soviet Union was an evil empire; Osama is evil; the axis of evil is evil.

The New Yorker

It was an evil mess.

The New Yorker

It's an evil act.

Independent

"This is an evil building".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an evil streak", ensure the context clearly illustrates specific instances or behaviors that demonstrate this tendency. Avoid vague attributions.

Common error

Avoid characterizing someone as having "an evil streak" based on a single, isolated incident. The phrase implies a recurring pattern of behavior, not a one-time lapse in judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evil streak" functions as a descriptive element, typically used to characterize a person or entity by highlighting a tendency towards malevolent or harmful behavior. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an evil streak" describes a tendency towards malicious or harmful behavior. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically sound, although relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to negatively characterize individuals or entities. When using this phrase, ensure it is supported by specific examples to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include phrases like "a malicious tendency" or "a dark side".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a malicious tendency

Focuses on the inclination towards malice, differing from the more general "evil streak".

a wicked inclination

Emphasizes the wickedness of the tendency, presenting a stronger moral judgment.

a dark side

Refers to a hidden, negative aspect of someone's personality, differing from a streak, which implies occasional behavior.

a cruel bent

Highlights the cruelty in someone's nature, focusing on the infliction of pain or suffering.

a sinister nature

Suggests a more inherently ominous and threatening character.

a mean disposition

Indicates a habitual unkindness or spitefulness, more ingrained than a "streak".

a ruthless quality

Stresses the lack of compassion or consideration for others.

a touch of malice

Indicates a slight degree of maliciousness, less pronounced than a "streak".

a capacity for wickedness

Highlights the potential for evil, rather than its active expression.

a tendency towards darkness

Focuses on the inclination toward negativity and malevolence.

FAQs

How can I describe "an evil streak" in a character?

Instead of simply stating that a character has "an evil streak", show it through their actions, decisions, and interactions with others. Provide specific examples of their malicious or harmful behavior.

What's a less intense way to describe someone with "an evil streak"?

If you want to convey a milder sense of negativity, consider using phrases like "a malicious tendency" or "a dark side". These suggest negative qualities without necessarily implying outright evil.

How does "an evil streak" differ from being purely evil?

"An evil streak" implies that the person isn't entirely evil, but possesses intermittent tendencies or moments of wickedness. Someone who is purely evil is consistently malicious, without any redeeming qualities.

Can "an evil streak" be a positive trait in certain contexts?

While "evil" generally carries negative connotations, a ruthlessly competitive or cunning nature—akin to "a ruthless quality"—might be perceived as advantageous in specific, high-stakes scenarios, although it remains ethically questionable.