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Vixen
01
the female of the fox species
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Animal
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
vixens
Examples
The vixen stealthily roamed the forest, her fiery coat blending with the autumn leaves.
02
a woman regarded as quarrelsome, provocative, or sexually alluring in a negative sense
What is the origin of the term "vixen" and how is it used?
"Vixen" is a term for a woman regarded as quarrelsome, provocative, or sexually alluring in a negative sense. It comes from Middle English, originally meaning a female fox, with the metaphor drawing on the animal's perceived slyness and cunning. By the 16th century, it was applied to women with sharp tempers or seductive behavior. The term is used in informal, descriptive, or critical contexts and is mildly to moderately derogatory, depending on tone, but not vulgar.
Examples
That vixen shouted at everyone in the meeting.
Lexical Tree
vixenish
vixen
