Mischief vs. Naughty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Mischief" refers to behavior causing annoyance or minor harm, often playfully, while "Naughty" is an adjective describing someone who engages in such behavior. Mischief is the act; naughty is the characteristic.
Key Differences
"Mischief" is a noun that refers to actions or behavior that cause annoyance, inconvenience, or minor damage. "Naughty," on the other hand, is an adjective used to describe someone or something exhibiting such behavior. While mischief points to the actual conduct, naughty refers to the quality or attribute of being mischievous.
In the context of children, "mischief" might involve actions like drawing on the walls or making a mess deliberately. A "naughty" child is one who engages in such mischief. It's important to note that the term "mischief" describes the act itself, not the person, whereas "naughty" directly describes the individual involved in the act.
"Mischief" can also be used in a broader, sometimes more serious context to indicate harm or trouble, like corporate mischief. "Naughty," however, is seldom used in such serious contexts and generally implies a less severe level of wrongdoing. Essentially, mischief can scale in gravity, but naughty usually remains in the realm of minor misbehaviors.
From a grammatical standpoint, "mischief" is solely a noun, while "naughty" functions as an adjective. "Mischief" is used to describe actions or situations, and "naughty" modifies nouns, typically persons, to indicate their inclination towards mischievous behavior.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
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Meaning
Behavior causing annoyance or minor harm
Describes someone who engages in such behavior
Context
Can be used in a broad context
Usually implies a less severe level of wrongdoing
Usage in a Sentence
"The kids were up to mischief."
"The kids were naughty today."
Severity
Can imply a range of severities
Usually associated with minor misbehavior
Mischief and Naughty Definitions
Mischief
The inclination to play pranks or tricks.
Her sense of mischief is endless.
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Naughty
Playfully mischievous.
He had a naughty grin on his face.
Mischief
Deliberate disobedience or troublemaking.
The mischief of the students disrupted the class.
Naughty
Inclined to cause minor trouble.
The naughty child hid his brother's toy.
Mischief
Behavior causing minor harm or annoyance.
His mischief got him in trouble at school.
Naughty
Violating social or moral norms.
That was a naughty word to use.
Mischief
Actions leading to petty annoyances.
He caused some mischief by hiding the remote.
Naughty
Exhibiting mischievous behavior.
She was naughty for drawing on the walls.
Mischief
Willful violation of rules.
Their mischief led to a new school policy.
Naughty
Disobedient or unruly.
The naughty dog wouldn't listen to commands.
Mischief
Behavior that causes annoyance or difficulty
Tried to keep the kids from engaging in any mischief.
Naughty
Behaving disobediently or mischievously
A naughty child.
Mischief
Damage, destruction, or injury caused by a specific person or thing
The mischief done by a faulty gene.
Naughty
Indecent; improper
A naughty wink.
Mischief
(Archaic) A specific injury or harm done
"Instead of doing them a service, you meant to do them a mischief?" (Charles Dickens).
Naughty
One that is naughty.
Mischief
The inclination or tendency to play pranks or get into trouble
Eyes that gleamed with mischief.
Naughty
Mischievous; tending to misbehave or act badly (especially of a child).
Some naughty boys at school hid the teacher's lesson notes.
Mischief
(uncountable) Conduct that playfully causes petty annoyance.
Drink led to mischief.
Naughty
Sexually provocative; now in weakened sense, risqué, cheeky.
I bought some naughty lingerie for my honeymoon.
If I see you send another naughty email to your friends, you will be forbidden from using the computer!
Mischief
(countable) A playfully annoying action.
John's mischief, tying his shoelaces together, irked George at first.
Naughty
Evil, wicked, morally reprehensible.
Mischief
(collective) A group or a pack of rats.
Naughty
(obsolete) Bad, worthless, substandard.
Mischief
(archaic) Harm or injury:
Naughty
To perform sexual acts upon.
Mischief
(uncountable) Harm or trouble caused by an agent or brought about by a particular cause.
She had mischief in her heart.
Sooner or later he'll succeed in doing some serious mischief.
Naughty
Having little or nothing.
[Men] that needy be and naughty, help them with thy goods.
Mischief
(countable) An injury or an instance of harm or trouble caused by a person or other agent or cause.
It may end in her doing a great mischief to herself—and perhaps to others too.
Naughty
Worthless; bad; good for nothing.
The other basket had very naughty figs.
Mischief
(legal) A criminal offence defined in various ways in various jurisdictions, sometimes including causing damage to another's property.
Naughty
Hence, corrupt; wicked.
So shines a good deed in a naughty world.
Mischief
A cause or agent of annoyance, harm or injury, especially a person who causes mischief.
Naughty
Mischievous; perverse; froward; guilty of disobedient or improper conduct; as, a naughty child.
Mischief
(euphemism) The Devil; used as an expletive.
Naughty
Suggestive of sexual impropriety;
A blue movie
Blue jokes
He skips asterisks and gives you the gamy details
A juicy scandal
A naughty wink
Naughty words
Racy anecdotes
A risque story
Spicy gossip
Mischief
To do a mischief to; to harm.
Naughty
Badly behaved;
He was saucy and mischievous in school
A naughty boy
Mischief
To slander.
Mischief
Harm; damage; esp., disarrangement of order; trouble or vexation caused by human agency or by some living being, intentionally or not; often, calamity, mishap; trivial evil caused by thoughtlessness, or in sport.
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs.
The practice whereof shall, I hope, secure me from many mischiefs.
Mischief
Cause of trouble or vexation; trouble.
The mischief was, these allies would never allow that the common enemy was subdued.
Mischief
To do harm to.
Mischief
Reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
Mischief
The quality or nature of being harmful or evil
FAQs
What does Naughty mean?
Naughty is an adjective describing someone who engages in mischievous behavior.
Can Mischief be used in a serious context?
Yes, mischief can imply a range of severities.
Is Naughty a noun or an adjective?
Naughty is an adjective.
What does Mischief mean?
Mischief refers to behavior causing minor harm or annoyance.
Is being Naughty always bad?
Context matters, but generally, it implies negative behavior.
What are examples of Mischief?
Drawing on walls, hiding things, playing pranks.
Can you be Naughty without causing Mischief?
Generally, being naughty implies some form of mischief.
Can adults be described as Naughty?
Yes, but it's less common and often in a playful or ironic sense.
Is Mischief a noun or an adjective?
Mischief is a noun.
Who is usually described as Naughty?
Children, pets, or anyone who is playfully disobedient.
Is Mischief always intentional?
Generally, it implies willful action but context matters.
How is Mischief different from Naughty in sentence structure?
Mischief is a noun describing actions, while naughty is an adjective that modifies nouns.
Can animals be Naughty or engage in Mischief?
Yes, pets like dogs and cats are often described as naughty when they misbehave.
Is Naughty used in serious contexts?
Rarely, it's generally used for minor misbehavior.
Is all Mischief negative?
Not necessarily; some may consider mischief playful rather than harmful.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
