cunning

[ˈkʌnɪŋ]

adjective, noun

astúcia, esperteza, ardil

1. (adjective) Skilled at achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; crafty

He devised a cunning plan to escape.

Ele elaborou um plano astucioso para escapar.

2. (adjective) Attractive in a quaint or amusing way

What a cunning little cottage!

Que casinha encantadora!

3. (noun) Skill in achieving one's ends by deceit; craftiness

The fox's cunning allowed it to outwit the hunter.

A astúcia da raposa permitiu que ela enganasse o caçador.

NYC Slang

slick, smooth operator, street smart

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

astúcia, esperteza, malandragem

Commonly used in everyday speech

Rio de Janeiro

malandragem, jogo de cintura

Often refers to street smarts and clever deception

São Paulo

astúcia, artimanha

More formal usage in business contexts

Portugal

astúcia, velhacaria, esperteza

Velhacaria emphasizes roguish cunning

cunning as a fox

a cunning plan

cunning linguist (wordplay/double meaning)

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