English Explanatory Dictionary

cagey

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Wary, careful, shrewd.
  2. Uncommunicative; unwilling or hesitant to give information.

Pronunciation

/ˈkeɪd͡ʒi/ en-us-cagey.ogg

Word forms

cagey cagier cagiest cagy

Etymology

Initially US colloquial, of unknown origin. A connection with the behavior of caged prisoners (wary and closed-lipped) and caged animals (wary) has been speculated. If so, by surface analysis, cage + -y.

Synonyms

evasive reticent shy

Derived words

cageyness cagily caginess
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