Top 31 Slang For Furtive – Meaning & Usage

In the world of slang, staying up-to-date is key to understanding the subtle nuances of communication. Furtive, a term often used to describe something secretive or sly, has its own set of slang that can leave many scratching their heads. But fear not, our team has delved deep into the underground lexicon to bring you a curated list of the top slang for furtive. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic word and level up your linguistic game!

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1. Sneaky

This term refers to someone or something that is sly or crafty in their actions, often with the intention of being unnoticed or secretive.

For example, “He made a sneaky move to steal the last slice of pizza.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might say, “I’m going to find a sneaky hiding spot.”
A person might describe a suspicious behavior as, “That was a sneaky way to avoid answering the question.”

2. Shady

This slang term is used to describe someone or something that is questionable, untrustworthy, or involved in illicit activities.

For instance, “I don’t trust that guy, he seems really shady.”
When referring to a business, a person might say, “Their practices seem a bit shady.”
A friend might warn another, “Be careful, that neighborhood is known for its shady characters.”

3. Underhanded

This word is used to describe actions or behavior that is sneaky, dishonest, or done in a secret or indirect way to achieve a desired outcome.

For example, “He used underhanded tactics to win the game.”
In a discussion about politics, one might say, “Many politicians are known for their underhanded dealings.”
A person might describe a manipulative action as, “That was a very underhanded move.”

4. Sly

This term refers to someone who is clever, crafty, or wily in their actions, often with the intention of being sneaky or secretive.

For instance, “He gave a sly smile as he walked away with the stolen item.”
When describing a person’s behavior, one might say, “She’s always one step ahead, very sly.”
A friend might comment, “You have to be sly if you want to win that game.”

5. Covert

This word is used to describe something that is hidden, concealed, or done in a way that is not easily noticed or detected.

For example, “They conducted a covert operation to gather intelligence.”
When discussing espionage, a person might say, “Covert agents operate in the shadows.”
A friend might ask, “Can you keep this covert? I don’t want anyone to know.”

6. Stealthy

Stealthy refers to something or someone that is quiet, secretive, and able to move without being noticed. It is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are done in a discreet or cunning manner.

For example, a spy might be described as stealthy because they are able to move undetected.
In a video game, a player might say, “I need to be stealthy and avoid the guards.”
A person planning a surprise party might say, “We need to be stealthy and keep it a secret until the big reveal.”

7. Clandestine

Clandestine refers to something that is done secretly or in a concealed manner. It is often used to describe activities, meetings, or operations that are done in secret and not meant to be known by others.

For instance, a clandestine meeting between two spies might take place in a hidden location.
In a novel, a character might be involved in a clandestine operation to overthrow a government.
A person might say, “I can’t tell you about it, it’s a clandestine project.”

8. Hush-hush

Hush-hush is a slang term that means something is kept secret or confidential. It is often used to describe information or activities that are not meant to be shared or discussed openly.

For example, a celebrity might have a hush-hush wedding ceremony to avoid media attention.
In a workplace, a manager might say, “This is hush-hush, so keep it to yourself.”
A person might say, “I can’t talk about it, it’s hush-hush.”

9. Furtive

Furtive refers to something or someone that is done or behaving in a secretive or sly manner. It is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are done with the intention of not being noticed or detected.

For instance, a furtive glance might be a quick and discreet look that is meant to be unnoticed by others.
In a suspenseful movie, a character might make a furtive movement to avoid being seen by the antagonist.
A person might say, “I saw him acting furtive, like he was hiding something.”

10. Slink

Slink refers to the act of moving in a quiet and stealthy manner, often with the intention of not being noticed. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a sneaky or suspicious way.

For example, a cat might slink through the grass, trying to catch a bird.
In a crime novel, a character might slink away from a crime scene to avoid being caught.
A person might say, “I saw him slink out of the room when he thought no one was looking.”

11. Skulk

This term is often used to describe someone who is sneaking around or trying to avoid being noticed.

For example, “He skulked around the corner, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might say, “I’ll skulk behind this tree and wait for the perfect moment to make my move.”
A detective might describe a suspect as, “He’s known to skulk around the neighborhood at night.”

12. Creep

This word can also describe someone who behaves in an unsettling or inappropriate manner.

For instance, “He crept up the stairs, hoping not to wake anyone.”
In a horror movie, a character might say, “Don’t creep up on me like that, you scared me!”
A person might warn their friend about someone’s behavior, saying, “That guy gives me the creeps. He always stares without saying a word.”

13. Lurk

This term is commonly used in online communities to describe someone who reads or watches the conversation without commenting or engaging.

For example, “I like to lurk on forums and see what people are saying.”
A person might say, “I’ve been lurking in this chat room for hours, just reading everyone’s conversation.”
In a social gathering, someone might mention, “I noticed him lurking in the corner, not really talking to anyone.”

14. Prowl

This word is often used to describe someone who is actively looking for something or someone, typically with a sense of secrecy or stealth.

For instance, “The cat prowled through the bushes, stalking its prey.”
In a detective novel, a character might say, “We need to prowl the streets at night to catch the criminal.”
A person might describe their behavior while shopping, saying, “I like to prowl the aisles, searching for the best deals.”

15. Shadow

This term can also refer to the act of spying or secretly monitoring someone’s activities.

For example, “He shadowed his boss all day to gather information.”
In a spy movie, a character might say, “I’ve been shadowing the target for weeks, trying to gather intel.”
A person might mention, “I feel like someone’s been shadowing me lately, but I can’t be sure.”

16. Spy

A spy is a person who gathers information or conducts covert operations on behalf of a government or organization. They often work undercover to obtain classified information or monitor the activities of others.

For example, in a spy thriller, the protagonist might be described as a skilled spy with multiple identities.
A character in a novel might say, “I’ve been working as a spy for the past five years, infiltrating enemy organizations.”
In a discussion about espionage, someone might mention, “Spies play a crucial role in national security by gathering intelligence and preventing potential threats.”

17. Stalk

To stalk someone means to obsessively follow, monitor, or observe their activities, often without their knowledge or consent. This term is commonly used to describe unwanted and intrusive behavior.

For instance, someone might say, “I think my ex-boyfriend is stalking me. He’s been showing up everywhere I go.”
In a conversation about online harassment, a person might mention, “It’s important to report and block individuals who stalk or harass others on social media.”
A character in a TV show might warn, “Be careful, that guy has a history of stalking women.”

18. Peep

To peep means to secretly watch or observe someone or something, often for a brief period of time. It implies a sense of curiosity or voyeurism.

For example, a person might say, “I saw my neighbor peeping through my window last night. It was really creepy.”
In a discussion about privacy, someone might argue, “It’s important to respect boundaries and not peep into other people’s lives.”
A character in a movie might say, “I couldn’t resist peeping through the keyhole to see what was happening inside the room.”

19. Eavesdrop

To eavesdrop means to secretly listen to a conversation or private communication without the knowledge or consent of the individuals involved. It often implies a sense of intrusion or snooping.

For instance, someone might say, “I overheard my coworkers eavesdropping on my phone conversation.”
In a discussion about privacy, a person might mention, “Be careful what you say in public places, you never know who might be eavesdropping.”
A character in a novel might be described as “skilled in the art of eavesdropping” due to their ability to gather information by listening in on others.

20. Cagy

Cagy is a slang term used to describe someone who is cautious, secretive, or evasive in their actions or behavior. It often implies a sense of wariness or suspicion.

For example, a person might say, “He’s always cagy about his personal life. I don’t know much about him.”
In a discussion about detective work, someone might mention, “A good detective needs to be cagy to uncover the truth.”
A character in a TV show might be described as “cagy and elusive” due to their ability to avoid being caught or discovered.

21. Cagey

Cagey is a term used to describe someone who is secretive or cautious, often with hidden motives or intentions. It implies a sense of being careful and guarded in one’s actions or words.

For example, “He was cagey about his plans for the weekend, refusing to give any details.”
In a conversation about a suspicious person, one might say, “I don’t trust him, he’s always so cagey.”
A detective investigating a case might describe a suspect as “cagey” due to their evasive behavior.

22. Scheming

Scheming refers to the act of making secret plans or plotting something, often with a negative connotation. It implies a deliberate and calculated effort to achieve a certain outcome, often at the expense of others.

For instance, “She was always scheming to get ahead in her career, willing to do whatever it takes.”
In a discussion about a manipulative character in a TV show, one might say, “He’s constantly scheming, always one step ahead.”
A person might warn their friend about someone’s ulterior motives by saying, “Be careful, I think she’s scheming something.”

23. Conniving

Conniving describes someone who is cunning and manipulative, often with a sneaky or deceitful nature. It implies a willingness to deceive or betray others for personal gain.

For example, “He’s a conniving businessman, always looking for ways to exploit others.”
In a conversation about a character in a novel, one might say, “The conniving villain was the mastermind behind the plot.”
A person might express their distrust of someone by saying, “I don’t trust her, she’s conniving and always up to something.”

24. Devious

Devious refers to someone who is sneaky or dishonest, often with a hidden agenda or ulterior motive. It implies a willingness to use cunning or deceitful tactics to achieve one’s goals.

For instance, “He came up with a devious plan to trick his competitors and gain an advantage.”
In a discussion about a manipulative character in a movie, one might say, “She’s so devious, always playing mind games with people.”
A person might describe a tricky puzzle as “devious” due to its complex and misleading nature.

25. Guileful

Guileful describes someone who is crafty or sly, often with a knack for deception or trickery. It implies a cleverness and skill in manipulating others for personal gain.

For example, “He’s a guileful politician, always finding ways to sway public opinion.”
In a conversation about a character in a play, one might say, “The guileful antagonist was always one step ahead of the hero.”
A person might warn their friend about someone’s manipulative nature by saying, “Watch out for him, he’s guileful and knows how to get what he wants.”

26. Machiavellian

This term refers to someone who is manipulative and deceitful in their actions, often with a hidden agenda. It originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher known for his book “The Prince” which explores the use of cunning and deceit in politics.

For example, “He used Machiavellian tactics to gain power and manipulate his opponents.”
In a discussion about a cunning character in a movie, one might say, “The villain’s Machiavellian nature made him a formidable adversary.”
A person describing a manipulative coworker might say, “He’s always plotting and scheming, very Machiavellian.”

27. Slippery

This term refers to someone or something that is difficult to catch or grasp, either physically or metaphorically. It implies a sense of elusiveness or evasiveness.

For instance, “He’s a slippery character, always managing to avoid taking responsibility.”
In a discussion about a difficult-to-solve problem, one might say, “The solution seems to be slippery, always just out of reach.”
A person describing a politician might say, “He’s known for his slippery answers and avoidance of direct questions.”

28. Shifty

This term describes someone who appears deceitful or untrustworthy. It implies a sense of being sneaky or evasive in one’s actions or intentions.

For example, “I don’t trust him, he has a shifty look in his eyes.”
In a discussion about a suspicious individual, one might say, “He’s acting shifty, like he’s hiding something.”
A person describing a dishonest salesperson might say, “Watch out for that shifty guy, he’ll try to cheat you.”

29. Dodgy

This term is used to describe someone or something that is questionable or unreliable. It implies a sense of caution or skepticism.

For instance, “I wouldn’t trust that website, it looks dodgy.”
In a discussion about a potentially unsafe situation, one might say, “Let’s find another way, this path seems dodgy.”
A person describing a questionable business deal might say, “I’m not getting involved, it seems dodgy to me.”

30. Fishy

This term is used to describe something that seems suspicious or questionable. It implies a sense of doubt or skepticism.

For example, “There’s something fishy about his story, it doesn’t add up.”
In a discussion about a suspicious incident, one might say, “The whole situation feels fishy, like there’s more to it.”
A person describing a strange behavior might say, “He’s acting really fishy, I don’t trust him.”

31. Sketchy

This term is used to describe something or someone that seems untrustworthy, shady, or questionable. It implies a sense of caution or unease.

For example, “I don’t know about that guy, he seems really sketchy.”
In a discussion about a potentially risky business deal, someone might say, “The whole situation feels sketchy to me.”
A person recounting a strange encounter might say, “I had a sketchy experience walking home last night.”