saucily

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'saucily' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb that means to behave or speak in a bold, impudent, or flirtatious manner. Example: She saucily flirted with the bartender, hoping to get free drinks for the night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The walls of the long, two-level room are swagged with peekaboo curtains, draped like a can-can dancer's skirts, and the lamps and chairs are saucily tasselled.

Independent

Is your next solo album going to feature a picture of you look saucily over a pair of glasses?

Independent

Monique is of a type rather new to American fiction's provinces, a post-Communist Russian, saucily enriching the free world with her native energy and bluntness.

The New Yorker

Ross said that there is a tradition of including, in diplomatic memos, "saucily penned portraits about what these people are like in private".

The New Yorker

"Besides," she added saucily, "you never know who you're going to see in the library".

The New York Times

In sleek dresses and high heels, she would saucily deliver lines like: "I know what you want.

The New York Times - Arts

Istanbul now ranks with the world's most modish cities, a river megalopolis of shimmering vistas and skyscraping minarets and winding, cobbled lanes where nostalgic music groans and the bars offer group discounts on 25 shots of vodka to roving bands of saucily dressed people.

The New York Times

Around the same time, Ms. Wixson flashed her saucily parted front teeth in a Miu Miu advertising campaign, and Lara Stone showed off her gap in an ad for Calvin Klein.

The New York Times

Merrill Ashley vamped it up as the fairy Carabosse, curling her talons and setting her hands saucily on her hips when in full power, pouting when not.

The New York Times - Arts

There are some stars in the cast: Martine van Hamel, of American Ballet Theater, saucily acts out a letter, read by a gravel-voiced Ms. Dakin, from a wife to her husband during the Civil War.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, accents of orange or full-on yellow, green and turquoise would trace a slim dress that might be slipping off the shoulder or opening saucily at the back to give a glimpse of a bra.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saucily" to add a touch of playful irreverence or flirtatious charm to descriptions of behavior or speech. It's particularly effective when depicting characters who are confident and not afraid to challenge social norms.

Common error

Avoid using "saucily" in contexts where genuine respect or seriousness is required. Its playful connotation can be inappropriate for formal or somber situations.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "saucily" functions primarily to modify verbs, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates a bold, impudent, or flirtatious quality in the action, adding a layer of playful irreverence or cheeky confidence. Ludwig confirms this adverbial function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "saucily" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverb that describes actions performed in a bold, impudent, or flirtatious manner. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, adding a touch of playful irreverence to the writing. While its usage is generally considered correct, it's important to be mindful of its connotation and avoid using it in situations that require genuine respect or seriousness. Consider alternative adverbs like "impudently" or "cheekily" to fine-tune the intended meaning. The numerous examples available through Ludwig provide a clear understanding of its appropriate application in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheekily

Highlights the playful and mischievous nature of the behavior.

impudently

Focuses more on the disrespectful or cheeky aspect of the action.

teasingly

Emphasizes the playful and light-hearted nature of the interaction.

pertly

Emphasizes a spirited and bold manner, often in response to authority.

impertinently

Stresses the rudeness and intrusiveness of the behavior.

flippantly

Indicates a lack of seriousness or respect, often in speech.

mischievously

Highlights the playful and teasing aspect of the action.

boldly

Focuses on the courageous or daring aspect of the action.

playfully

General term describing action done in a fun or lighthearted way.

brazenly

Implies a shameless or defiant boldness.

FAQs

How can I use "saucily" in a sentence?

You can use "saucily" to describe actions done in a bold, impudent, or flirtatious manner. For example, "She "saucily" replied to his question, knowing it would provoke a reaction."

What are some alternatives to "saucily"?

Some alternatives to "saucily" include "impudently", "cheekily", or "pertly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "saucily" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "saucily" is generally better suited for informal or creative writing where a playful or slightly irreverent tone is acceptable. Consider alternatives for formal contexts.

What is the difference between "saucily" and "impertinently"?

"Saucily" often implies a playful or flirtatious boldness, while "impertinently" suggests a ruder or more disrespectful form of boldness. The choice depends on the specific context and intended tone.