mischief-maker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium. Recognized but not an everyday word; common in literature, character descriptions, and formal accusations.Formal to semi-formal. Often used in written narratives, journalism, and character assessments; less frequent in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “mischief-maker” mean?
A person who deliberately causes trouble, discord, or problems between others, often by spreading rumours or gossip.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who deliberately causes trouble, discord, or problems between others, often by spreading rumours or gossip.
An instigator of petty conflicts, a troublemaker, or an agent of provocation who disrupts harmony for personal amusement or due to a malicious disposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, often with a literary or slightly old-fashioned tone. In American English, 'troublemaker' or 'instigator' is more frequent in everyday speech.
Connotations
Both share the core meaning. British usage may carry a slightly more quaint or narrative feel, while American usage can sound more direct or accusatory.
Frequency
Used in both variants but not highly frequent. More likely in written contexts than spoken.
Grammar
How to Use “mischief-maker” in a Sentence
[Someone] is/acts as a mischief-maker.[Someone] has a reputation as a mischief-maker.to label/denounce [someone] as a mischief-maker.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mischief-maker” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The letter to the editor was clearly the work of a local mischief-maker intent on stirring up resentment.
- In the village, old Mrs. Pettigrew was considered the chief mischief-maker, always gossiping over the garden fence.
American English
- The political operative was denounced as a mischief-maker for leaking the misleading memo.
- Every school has its mischief-maker, the kid who convinces others to pull the fire alarm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in HR contexts to describe an employee who fosters conflict: 'We had to let him go; he was a constant mischief-maker, spreading rumours about management.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, or political science to describe a character or figure who sows discord: 'The playwright uses the Fool not just for comic relief but as a political mischief-maker.'
Everyday
Used to describe someone, often a child or a colleague, who causes petty trouble: 'My nephew is a little mischief-maker—he hid all the remote controls.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mischief-maker”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mischief-maker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mischief-maker”
- Misspelling as 'mischeif-maker'. Remember 'i' before 'e' after 'ch'.
- Confusing with 'mischief' (the act) vs. 'mischief-maker' (the person).
- Using it for playful, harmless troublemaking (like a kitten). It implies more malice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, as the term implies deliberate trouble-causing. However, in literature, a mischief-maker might be a sympathetic trickster figure.
A bully uses direct intimidation or force. A mischief-maker is more indirect, causing trouble through words, rumours, or scheming that pits others against each other.
Rarely, and only with clear affectionate irony, often for children or pets ('you little mischief-maker!'). Without that tone, it is a criticism.
It is almost always hyphenated: mischief-maker. The unhyphenated 'mischief maker' is less common but sometimes seen.
A person who deliberately causes trouble, discord, or problems between others, often by spreading rumours or gossip.
Mischief-maker is usually formal to semi-formal. often used in written narratives, journalism, and character assessments; less frequent in casual conversation. in register.
Mischief-maker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪstʃɪf ˌmeɪkə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪstʃɪf ˌmeɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a snake in the grass (similar connotation)”
- “to stir the pot”
- “to make mischief”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MISCHIEF' (trouble) + 'MAKER' (creator). A person who MAKES MISCHIEF.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HARMONY IS FABRIC / SOCIAL HARMONY IS A STRUCTURE. A mischief-maker is seen as one who 'unravels' the fabric of social harmony or 'undermines' its foundation.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mischief-maker' LEAST likely to be used?