Some people win with force. Others with charm. And then there are those who win with cunning — a blend of sharp wit, strategic thinking, and subtle manipulation. It’s a word that carries both admiration and wariness, depending on which side of it you’re on.
What Does “Cunning” Mean?
Cunning (adjective/noun):
- Skill in achieving goals through cleverness, often by deceit or trickery
- Shrewd or crafty intelligence
Examples:
- Adjective: “The spy was cunning enough to escape without a trace.”
- Noun: “She admired his cunning, even if she didn’t trust him.”
Etymology: Craft in the Shadows
The word “cunning” stems from the Old English cunnan, meaning “to know.” Originally, it referred to knowledge and skill. Over time, it evolved to imply cleverness used for advantage, especially in underhanded or sneaky ways.
The Dual Nature of Cunning
1. As a Virtue
In stories and strategy, cunning is admired. It’s the sly fox outsmarting the hound, the underdog outmaneuvering the giant. It’s about survival, wit, and adaptability.
2. As a Vice
But cunning can also raise eyebrows. It flirts with dishonesty, and when used to deceive or manipulate, it becomes calculating — even dangerous.
3. In Literature and Myth
From Odysseus in The Odyssey to Littlefinger in Game of Thrones, cunning characters often shape entire plots. They may not have the most brute power, but they outthink everyone else.
Cunning vs. Clever
While both suggest intelligence, clever often carries a positive or neutral tone — ingenuity, quick thinking. Cunning, on the other hand, implies strategy with a motive, often secretive or selfish.
Final Thought
Cunning is a reminder that intelligence isn’t just academic or logical — it can be tactical, emotional, and adaptive. Whether you view it as a gift or a threat depends on how it’s used.
After all, the same cunning that helps someone escape danger can also be the same that manipulates for gain. It is, in the end, intelligence — sharpened into a tool.