Mean streak Meaning in English
expression
ˈmin/ /ˈstɹik
MEEN STREEK
mˈiːn/ /stɹˈiːk
MEEN STREEK
Definition
A 'mean streak' is a part of someone's personality that sometimes makes them behave in a cruel or unkind way, even if they are usually nice.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal and describes a hidden or occasional tendency, not constant behavior. Often used with 'has a' or 'shows a' — e.g., 'He has a mean streak.' Refers to moments of unexpected unkindness.
Spanish: lado cruel - tendencia cruelPortuguese (BR): lado maldoso - tendência cruelPortuguese (PT): lado maldoso - tendência cruelChinese (Simplified): 刻薄的一面 - 残忍倾向Chinese (Traditional): 刻薄的一面 - 殘忍傾向Hindi: क्रूर प्रवृत्तिArabic: جانب قاسٍ - ميل إلى القسوةBengali: কঠোর স্বভাবের অংশ - নিষ্ঠুর দিকRussian: жестокая сторона характера - склонность к жестокостиJapanese: 意地悪な一面 - 意地悪な性格の部分Vietnamese: tính cách độc ác - khuynh hướng hung dữKorean: 못된 면 - 사나운 성격의 한 부분Turkish: kötü huy - acımasız tarafUrdu: کڑوا پہلو - سخت دل مزاجIndonesian: sisi kejam - sisi galak
Example Sentences
He has a mean streak when he gets angry.
basic
Jenny sometimes shows a mean streak at school.
basic
Despite his friendly smile, he has a mean streak.
basic
Don't cross her—she's got a bit of a mean streak.
natural
I like him, but that mean streak comes out when he loses at games.
natural
You wouldn't guess it, but even the kindest people can have a mean streak.
natural