canny

pronunciation

How to pronounce canny in British English: UK [ˈkæni]word uk audio image

How to pronounce canny in American English: US [ˈkæni] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

Word Origin

canny
canny: see can
canny (adj.)
1630s, Scottish and northern English formation from can (v.1) in its sense of "know how to," + -y (2). "Knowing," hence, "careful." A doublet of cunning that flowed into distinct senses. Often used superciliously of Scots by their southern neighbors (and their American cousins). The Canny Scot is so well known as scarcely to require description. He carries caution, cunning, and selfishness to excess. Deceitful when a purpose is to be accomplished, he is not habitually deceitful. One thing he never loses sight of--his own interest. But of his own interest he is not the most enlightened judge. ["The Natural History of Scotsmen," in "The Argosy," December 1865] Related: Cannily; canniness.

Example

1. It is a canny strategy and has worked well .
2. So far my own friends have dodged the worst with canny financial footwork .
3. He 's a canny old rascal .
4. But canny buyers know how to make their money go farther .
5. Eager investors and canny locals have found ways around the rules .

more: >How to Use "canny" with Example Sentences