Sheepish
/ˈʃiː.pɪʃ/noun
Feeling or showing embarrassment from shame or a lack of self-confidence.
Did you know?The term 'sheepish' evokes the image of a timid sheep, often associated with a sense of vulnerability and innocence, tying it to ancient ideas of humility and submissiveness.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
sceapig
“Characteristic of a sheep, embodying timidity and meekness.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
skēpaz
“A term for sheep, symbolizing docility and mildness.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skēp-
“To cut or separate, reflecting the domestication of sheep.”
14th Century
Middle English
scheepish
“Describing someone as timid or shy, akin to the nature of sheep.”
Modern English
English
sheepish
“Adopted into common usage, signifying embarrassment or shyness.”