What does sheepy mean?
Sheepy is an informal adjective meaning sheep-like, especially woolly, soft, or curly in appearance. It can describe materials and objects with a fleece-like texture, as in a sheepy coat, or refer figuratively to a person's sheepish expression or manner. The word often carries a gently humorous tone: a sheepy grin may suggest uncertainty, embarrassment, or a reluctance to engage openly. Although sheepy can sometimes approach the meaning of sheepish, its literal associations are with the appearance and texture of sheep rather than solely with awkwardness. It is used in both British and American informal English but is less common in formal writing. The term is especially useful for expressive descriptions that combine a physical impression of woolliness with a figurative sense of awkwardness or subdued behaviour.
Resembling a sheep, especially in appearance or texture.
"She wrapped herself in a thick, sheepy sweater."
Informal; often used to describe something woolly or furry.
Looking or behaving in an awkward, furtive, or sheepish manner.
"He became sheepy when questioned about the missing money."
Figurative and informal, with a humorous or gently teasing tone.
A sheepy moment can mean both looking woolly and acting as though you have been caught wearing the wool.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sheepy come from?
Sheepy was formed in English by combining sheep with the suffix -y, meaning “having the nature or qualities of.” The base word sheep descends through Middle English from Old English sceap, the ancestral form of a widely shared Germanic word. English compounds such as shepherd and sheepdog preserve the same agricultural and pastoral associations reflected in the adjective.
How sheepy is actually used
Chiefly informal and often mildly humorous. It may describe a visibly woolly object or, figuratively, a person's subdued, awkward, or furtive expression.
Easily confused with sheepy
Sheepy means sheep-like or woolly in appearance, whereas sheepish means embarrassed, awkward, or furtive.