Meaning of pawky | Babel Free

Definitions

Shrewd, sly; often also characterised by a sarcastic sense of humour.

British, Northern, Scotland

Examples

“[H]e generally meets her at one Signora Sporza's, a very pawky gentlewoman, who understands what's what as well as any woman in Naples […].”

“1836, Joanna Baillie, Witchcraft, Act 1, p.36-37. 'Awa', ye pawky thief! Dost tu think⟳ that I'll herrie the laird's cellar for thee or ony body?—But there's the whisky bottle in my ain cupboard, wi' some driblets in it yet, that ye may tak; and deil a drap mair shall ye get⟳, an thy tongue were as guizened as a spelding. I wonder⟳ wha learnt sic a youngster as thee to be sae pawky.”

“Those unacquainted with the pawky humor of the Scot will search⟳ unsuccessfully in reference books for mention⟳ of the elusive Colonel Boffin.”

“Just as a pun, to be a good pun, has to be not only a play⟳ on words but have⟳ a serious meaning, so pawky humour must carry⟳ sense⟳. However the underlying humour is always there.”

CEFR level