antics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, slightly humorous, often pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “antics” mean?
Silly, exaggerated, or playful actions and behaviour that are often amusing to watch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Silly, exaggerated, or playful actions and behaviour that are often amusing to watch.
Unpredictable, foolish, or mischievous behaviour, often from someone seeking attention or acting in a childlike manner. Can also refer to the characteristic or typical actions of a person or group, often with a critical nuance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English as a term of mild, often affectionate, exasperation (e.g., 'I've had enough of your antics!'). In American English, can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of irresponsible or troublesome behaviour.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “antics” in a Sentence
The antics of [person/group][Person's/Their] antics [verb: amused/annoyed/continued]To be tired of/put up with [possessive] anticsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The puppies were anticing about in the garden.
American English
- The kids anticked around the sprinkler.
adverb
British English
- He danced anticly around the room.
American English
- She grinned anticly from behind the curtain.
adjective
British English
- The play featured antic figures and masks.
American English
- He struck an antic pose for the photo.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically to criticise unprofessional or erratic company behaviour ('The board grew weary of the CEO's financial antics').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/social commentary ('The antics of the court jesters...').
Everyday
Very common, especially in relation to children, pets, or adults behaving immaturely.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antics”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antics”
- Using it in singular form ('an antic').*
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Confusing with 'antics' as an archaic adjective meaning 'grotesque'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun and is always used with a plural verb (e.g., 'Their antics were amusing'). There is no commonly used singular form 'antic' in modern English for this meaning.
Yes, it can be positive when describing playful, humorous behaviour that is entertaining and harmless (e.g., 'We loved the antics of the street performers'). However, it often carries a mildly critical or exasperated tone.
They are very close synonyms. 'Shenanigans' can more strongly imply secretive or tricky behaviour, while 'antics' focuses more on the visible, foolish, or playful aspect. 'Shenanigans' is also slightly more informal.
Absolutely. It is very commonly used for pets and animals, especially when their behaviour seems playful, clumsy, or human-like (e.g., 'the antics of the monkeys at the zoo').
Silly, exaggerated, or playful actions and behaviour that are often amusing to watch.
Antics is usually informal, slightly humorous, often pejorative. in register.
Antics: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.t̬ɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get up to one's old antics (return to familiar foolish behaviour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANTIClockwise direction — it's playful, unexpected, and goes against the normal, serious 'clockwise' order of things.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMATURE BEHAVIOUR IS CLOWNING / THE WORLD IS A STAGE (for foolish performance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'antics' LEAST appropriate?