Word
trickster
Phoneticstrick·ster, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹɪkstɝ/
UK/tɹˈɪkstɐ/
Definition
n. a character in stories or myths who is known for being clever and playing jokes on others. They often use their wit to cause trouble or help people in a funny way.
n. a mythological or literary figure who is characterized by cunning, wit, and a tendency to play pranks or cause mischief. Often serves as a catalyst for change or a moral lesson within a narrative.
Examples
“The trickster outsmarted the king with a clever plan.”
“In many Native American stories, the trickster is a shape-shifting figure who uses his intelligence to teach the community a lesson.”
“The trickster archetype transcends cultural boundaries, appearing in various forms from Loki in Norse mythology to Anansi in West African folklore, often representing the chaotic yet necessary force of human ingenuity.”
Examples
simple
“The trickster outsmarted the king with a clever plan.”
contextual
“In many Native American stories, the trickster is a shape-shifting figure who uses his intelligence to teach the community a lesson.”
complex
“The trickster archetype transcends cultural boundaries, appearing in various forms from Loki in Norse mythology to Anansi in West African folklore, often representing the chaotic yet necessary force of human ingenuity.”
Real-World Examples
“She views Kenkoy, “who resorted to tricks and gags to get what he wanted,” as echoing other trickster figures like the mouse-deer Pilandok, who outwits more powerful antagonists.” Etymology
From trick + -ster.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/trickster