Literary notes about sheepish (AI summary)
In literature, “sheepish” is often used to depict characters who display an air of bashful self-awareness or unease. Writers employ the term to capture subtle shifts in emotion—from a quiet, almost mischievous vulnerability, as when a character feels like a small boy overcome with mischief [1], to a contrast drawn between high-flown ambitions and lowly worth [2]. The word also lends a humorous or self-deprecating tone in moments of reluctant admission or social awkwardness, as seen in characters who, whether in authority or in humble settings, cannot help but wear a sheepish smile or expression [3, 4].
- He felt like a small boy in mischief and grew rather sheepish.
— from Strange Stories of the Great River: The Adventures of a Boy Explorer by Abbie Johnston Grosvenor - For churls have coffers that o’erflow, And sheepish worth is poor and low.
— from The Fables of Phædrus by Phaedrus - So it was that his Excellency, with a sheepish smile, and posing as a disappointed hunter, ordered an immediate return to Los Baños.
— from The Reign of Greed by José Rizal - Well, I felt sheepish enough to be took in so, but I wouldn’t a been in that ringmaster’s place, not for a thousand dollars.
— from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
