wicked joys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked joys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe pleasures or delights that are considered morally questionable or mischievous in nature. Example: "The party was filled with wicked joys, as everyone indulged in their secret vices and revelry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Janet Malcolm on the wicked joy of the "Gossip Girl" novels.

The New Yorker

The wicked joy of the "Gossip Girl" novels.

The New Yorker

A wicked joy stole over Nicole's face.

The New Yorker

Jimmy and Clyde don't get mad (well, not often and when they do, it's a wicked joy to behold), but they plan to do more than get even.

The New Yorker

Pazcoguin plays the witch, and Martins wants her to project her wicked joy at James's suffering so that even those in the upper balconies can feel the sting.

The Washington Post

Someone explains the Game to Nicholas by way of a biblical quote: "Whereas once I was blind now I can see". A more satisfying interpretation perhaps is to look at the Game — and "The Game" — as its own reason for being, a celebration of artifice and make-believe for its own sake, a wry tribute to the wicked joy and megalomania of filmmaking.

Los Angeles Times

It has a father, a son, a wicked woman, the sea, loss, joy: all elements that fit perfectly with my own life.

The Guardian - Music

David Platt, you wicked Coronation Street crimper; what a joy it is to welcome you back to the dark side.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It also underlines Wesker's key point: that proven child abuse is wicked, but if we deny the joy of sensual physical contact between parent and child we are destroying family life.

The Guardian

What we get is only a glimpse of Rogers's wicked humor, his intellectual dexterity, his playfulness and joy — or the charisma as a teacher that earned him so many devoted acolytes at Purchase and Harvard.

The New York Times

And the first two enter "into the joy of thy lord," but the third "wicked and slothful" servant is cast into "outer darkness".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully; the phrase is more appropriate for informal or creative writing than for formal or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked joys" too frequently, as it can become cliché. Vary your descriptions of pleasure with more nuanced and specific adjectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked joys" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "wicked" modifies the noun "joys". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct, describing pleasures or delights that are considered morally questionable or mischievous.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wicked joys" describes pleasures tinged with immorality or mischief, functioning as a noun phrase with a slightly rebellious tone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's best suited for informal or creative contexts rather than formal or academic writing. While "wicked joys" is infrequent, related phrases such as "sinful pleasures" or "naughty delights" can offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, consider the context carefully and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sinful pleasures

This alternative directly replaces "wicked" with "sinful", emphasizing the moral transgression aspect.

illicit pleasures

This alternative focuses on the forbidden nature of the pleasure, replacing "wicked" with "illicit".

forbidden joys

This option emphasizes the prohibited aspect of the pleasures, similar to "illicit pleasures".

naughty delights

This option softens the moral judgment, using "naughty" instead of "wicked" and "delights" as a more playful synonym for "joys".

guilty pleasures

This highlights the feeling of guilt associated with the enjoyment, suggesting a conflict between desire and conscience.

devious delights

This alternative suggests a pleasure derived from cunning or deceitful behavior.

corrupting pleasures

This implies that the pleasures have a degrading or morally damaging effect.

immoral amusements

This phrase uses more formal language, replacing "wicked" with "immoral" and "joys" with "amusements".

unholy glee

This alternative adds a religious connotation, implying a sacrilegious joy.

perverse satisfaction

This phrase suggests a more twisted or abnormal source of enjoyment.

FAQs

How can "wicked joys" be used in a sentence?

"Wicked joys" can be used to describe pleasures derived from activities considered immoral or mischievous. For example: "The party was filled with wicked joys, as everyone indulged in their secret vices and revelry."

What are some alternatives to "wicked joys"?

Alternatives to "wicked joys" include "sinful pleasures", "naughty delights", or "illicit pleasures", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "wicked joys" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "wicked joys" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives with a more neutral or sophisticated tone.

What distinguishes "wicked joys" from "guilty pleasures"?

"Wicked joys" emphasizes the slightly immoral or rebellious nature of the pleasure, while "guilty pleasures" highlight the feeling of shame or regret associated with enjoying something one knows they shouldn't.