slightly mischievous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly mischievous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a playful or teasing quality, but not in a harmful way. Example: "The cat had a slightly mischievous look in its eyes as it plotted to knock over the vase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He is an excellent interviewee: forthcoming, erudite – even slightly mischievous.

The Guardian - Music

"He's also slightly mischievous, he likes creating a bit of controversy, a bit of a stir.

Independent

Regarding Hall & Oates: my "equally" was slightly mischievous, a little like brushing a batter back.

The New Yorker

"Is he still around?" she said of Mr. D'Amato, with a slightly mischievous grin.

The New York Times

Evelyn told me the following anecdote with a slightly mischievous smile and a bit of triumph in her voice.

The New Yorker

Tall, with light red hair and a slightly mischievous laugh, he has become a confident public speaker, and seems to enjoy — if not crave — the spotlight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He is slightly more mischievous in real life than his laid-back 6 Music persona.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the party, "there was a slightly ominous, mischievous stir" from the kitchen, where guests have been hard at work: "Flowery or feathery, fluted or fanned, each small sculpture was detailed and different: lovely little white objects against a hand-painted blue Italian ceramic tray".

The Guardian - Books

The tension and excitement in his expression were immediately replaced by a mischievous, slightly sheepish grin.

The New Yorker

Together, the men have preserved Perrotta's tone, which fluctuates between slightly satirical, even mischievous, irony and the most generous sympathy.

The New Yorker

Kraggerud has a mischievous, slightly chaotic stage presence and prefaced the work with a surreal spoken riff about poor dental hygiene in 18th-century Vienna causing horn players to retrain as violists.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "slightly mischievous" to create a character who is not overtly malicious but enjoys playing lighthearted pranks or jokes.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly mischievous" when the context involves serious or harmful actions. The term is best suited for scenarios where the mischief is mild and playful, not malicious or dangerous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly mischievous" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a quality of playful or teasing behavior that is not overly malicious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used to add a subtle nuance of playful intent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly mischievous" is a common adjective phrase used to describe a mild degree of playfulness or trickery. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often softening potentially negative connotations of "mischievous". Its primary function is descriptive, adding nuance to contexts where a playful or teasing element is present without being overtly harmful. As evidenced by examples from The New York Times, The Guardian and several other sources, the phrase finds frequent use in news and media, maintaining a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tad mischievous

Uses "tad" to indicate a small degree of mischievousness, directly mirroring the meaning of "slightly mischievous".

a touch of mischief

Emphasizes the presence of mischief in a subtle amount, resembling the subdued nature of "slightly mischievous".

somewhat playful

Indicates a mild degree of playfulness, akin to "slightly mischievous" but with less emphasis on causing minor trouble.

marginally playful

Indicates playfulness that is present only to a small extent, aligning with the restrained nature of "slightly mischievous".

a little teasing

Focuses on the act of teasing in a gentle way, aligning with the milder aspect of "slightly mischievous".

mildly impish

Similar to 'a bit impish' but even more toned down, highlighting restrained playfulness.

a bit impish

Suggests a playful and teasing nature, similar to "slightly mischievous" but with a stronger emphasis on playful trickery.

somewhat arch

Suggests a knowing or sly manner, indicating subtle mischief, which relates to "slightly mischievous" through implication.

a little devilish

Implies a bit of devilry or rebelliousness, which can be a more intense expression than "slightly mischievous".

somewhat roguish

Conveys a sense of charming but dishonest behavior, adding a layer of rebelliousness not always present in "slightly mischievous".

FAQs

How can I use "slightly mischievous" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly mischievous" to describe a person's expression, action, or even an atmosphere. For example, "He had a slightly mischievous grin" or "There was a slightly mischievous atmosphere in the room".

What are some alternatives to "slightly mischievous"?

Some alternatives include "a bit impish", "somewhat playful", or "a little teasing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slightly mischievous" a formal or informal expression?

"Slightly mischievous" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "slightly mischievous" and "very mischievous"?

"Slightly mischievous" implies a mild level of playfulness or trickery, while "very mischievous" suggests a much higher degree of mischievous behavior. The choice depends on the intensity of the action or characteristic you are describing.