Word of the Day: Canny

Canny
- adj.
- adv.

Pronunciation:
[KAN-ee]

Definition:
- Adjective
1. careful; cautious; prudent: a canny reply.
2. astute; shrewd; knowing; sagacious: a canny negotiator.
3. skilled; expert.

- Adverb
6. in a canny manner.
7. Scot. carefully; cautiously.

Etymology:
1630s, Scottish and northern England formation from can (v.) in its sense of "know how to;" lit. "knowing," hence, "careful." Often used superciliously of Scots by their southern neighbors, implying "thrift and an eye to the main chance."

Also see: UNCANNY. Which uses the common English prefix 'un-', changing the word to mean supernatural or mysterious.

Couldn't find a good quote for this word. Sorry, pals. Do y'all know any?

Thanks to Kevin for tossing this one my way. :)

Epic!

Hellon, don't mix up "cannae" which means "can not" with "canny/cannie", which Jordan has so excellently explained.

Typically, this word is used either to compliment someone;

"aye (yes) he is a canny singer"
or as a caution

"caw canny lad"

(be careful/wise lad). "Uncanny" is also a great use of the word, usually in reference to someone having unnatural skill that borders on them being suspected in the old days, of being demonic or touched by spirits. So, a person can be said to be "uncanny", which means spooky and insightful...or they can be Uncannily" good at something.

"Jorden is an uncannily canny wordsmith, but he needs to caw canny and keep it to one a day."

: )

What is the exact differerence in meaning between "canny"and "uncanny"?

I had thought uncanny meant "creepily amazing" or "unusual"... like that cat has an uncanny (amazing) resemblance to hitler type thing.

I've always used "uncanny" to describe something that looks normal on the surface, but feels eerily "off." Like wax figures.

Kev-O, I am keeping quite canny. If you check 'em, there is only one WOTD for me! :P

Canny deals with the assurance of acquired knowledge. You understand how to accomplish something, usually after investing a certain amount of effort in the learning.

Uncanny is something that seems familiar, yet is strange in a way you do not expect. The dissonance between the familiar and the strange is uncomfortable or awe inspiring.

Thanks girls and Larry also:)

I have a feeling you could be a teacher,Larry, by your really clear explanation!

In movies I often heard people say"he bears an uncanny resemblance"..so I thought it must be something like striking, but reading this I see there is more to it..

It is a confusing word. I don't see "cautious" and "supernatural" as opposites, at all, and yet...

But I'm glad it's up here. I beat my dad in a game of words with this today. Thanks, Jordan!

Key: Don't think of 'un-' as a prefix that necessarily changes the meaning to oppose the meaning of the word it is tacked to. Just a modifier.

The original sense of the word was "mischevious" - pretty well the exact opposite of cautious. The word changed roughly 200 years later to mean "supernatural."

Don't talk to me about the meaning of Scottish words sonny Jim..I don't care what your edumacationali websites say.

200 years ago? How do you know, where you there huh? NO..you don't even own a kilt.

Ya wee radge!

Uhh, that was for Narph, Kevin. Tsktsk pokin' your nose. Also, not sure what you're getting at...

Maybe you mistook the 'y' in 'Key' for a 'v?' Sorry.

He's just stirring up a nice little Scottish fuss, is all.

Jordan, if "un" doesn't necessarily negate, how would you describe it as a modifier? Sorry, I'm overly curious about that sort of thing. :)

Kevin was obviously around. Going commando under his kilt, naturally ; )

I know, I know. I'm not actually mad at him. Lol.

Narph, 'un-' DOES negate as a general rule, but eventually some words change meaning while still keeping their original form. Thus, like I said earlier, adding 'un-' DID initially cause the word 'canny' to negate, but then the meaning sort of shifted. Keeping a deep set but not literal relationship with the original word.