canny

Etymology

Northern English dialect from can (“to know”), from Middle English can, first and third person singular of cunnen, connen (“to be able, know how to”), from Old English cunnan (“to know how to, be able to”). Compare Scots canny, Old English cann (“knowledge, assertion”). More at can, cunning.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkæni/
• Rhymes: -æni

Adjective

canny (comparative cannier, superlative canniest)

1. Careful, prudent, cautious.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Ramsay to this entry?)

2. Knowing, shrewd, astute.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Sir Walter Scott to this entry?)

3. Frugal, thrifty.
4. (Scotland, Northumbria) Pleasant, fair.

   She's a canny lass hor like!

   • 1783, Robert Burns, "Green Grow the Rashes O", Songs and Ballads

     But gie me a cannie hour at e'en,
     

     My arms about my dearie O;
     

     An' warl'y cares, an' warl'y men,
     

     Mae a' gae tapsalteerie O!

5. (Northumbria) Very or much.

   That's a canny big horse, man!

Adverb

canny (not comparable)

1. (Geordie) quite; rather

Anagrams

• Nancy, nancy

Alternative forms

• cannie

Etymology

From the verb can (“to know”), from Middle English can, first and third person singular of cunnen, connen (“to be able, know how to”), from Old English cunnan (“to know how to, be able to”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kanɪ/, /kɑːnɪ/

Adjective

canny (comparative mair canny, superlative maist canny)

1. careful, cautious, prudent or steady
2. comfortable, gentle or cozy
3. attractive or pleasing
4. skilful, safe to work or deal with
5. fortunate, lucky
6. frugal, sparing
7. (archaic) with supernatural or occult powers

Adverb

canny (comparative mair canny, superlative maist canny)

1. carefully, cautiously