ninja
word
Definition
A person trained in Japanese martial arts and espionage, historically used as a covert agent or assassin in feudal Japan. In modern usage, someone exceptionally skilled or stealthy at something.
Usage & Nuances
Plural can be 'ninjas' or 'ninja' (Japanese has no plural marker). Widely romanticised in Western pop culture (Ninja Turtles, Naruto, video games). Informally: 'she's a ninja at Excel' = extremely skilled. 'Ninja move' = doing something stealthily or cleverly. In tech: 'code ninja', '10x ninja developer' (often considered cringy jargon).
Example Sentences
She's an absolute ninja with spreadsheets — she can build a dashboard in ten minutes flat.
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That was a total ninja move — he switched the topic before anyone noticed he hadn't answered the question.
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The cat crept across the kitchen counter like a furry little ninja trying to steal the fish.
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The movie is about a ninja who protects a village from invaders.
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My son wants to dress up as a ninja for Halloween.
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Ninjas were known for their stealth and speed.
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