as in naive
lacking in worldly wisdom or informed judgment
his persona may be that of an aw-shucks country singer, but offstage he is anything but
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Recent Examples of aw-shucks
Played by the versatile Domhnall Gleeson, in a performance that couldn’t be more different from his memorably unnerving turns in The Patient and Black Mirror, incoming Truth-Teller editor-in-chief Ned Sampson has a sort of aw-shucks, pre-Ozark-Jason-Bateman vibe.
—
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Like Francona, Miley’s aw-shucks facade belies an understanding of the game that borders on genius.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Monologuing for an hour and a half is no walk in the park, but the genial A-lister tackles the task at hand with aw-shucks charisma and confidence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Wilson puts most of his aw-shucks charm to the side to play this spacey wannabe, portraying Eli instead with a pitiable whine or some far-out detachment.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Almost immediately, Carrie made the character her own, bringing in a sort of aw-shucks Midwestern sweetness.
—Michelle King, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
The connections Plunkett draws between Frost’s lyric poems and their literary influences are valuable, particularly for anyone taken in by Frost’s aw-shucks persona.
—Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Like Francona, Miley’s aw-shucks facade belies an understanding of the game that borders on genius.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Monologuing for an hour and a half is no walk in the park, but the genial A-lister tackles the task at hand with aw-shucks charisma and confidence.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 June 2025
Wilson puts most of his aw-shucks charm to the side to play this spacey wannabe, portraying Eli instead with a pitiable whine or some far-out detachment.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Almost immediately, Carrie made the character her own, bringing in a sort of aw-shucks Midwestern sweetness.
—Michelle King, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
The connections Plunkett draws between Frost’s lyric poems and their literary influences are valuable, particularly for anyone taken in by Frost’s aw-shucks persona.
—Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aw-shucks
Adjective
-
Jane’s voice shifts from that of a naïve girl to that of a capable young woman as Laser traces her path out of the wilderness.—
AudioFile Magazine
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
-
His hesitation has been seen publicly as naïve and risky, eroding faith in the monarchy.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As with all investigations leading to arrest, the subjects of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The new dating term 'Shrekking' sounds innocent.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Jared Jewelers Bulova Phantom Watch A watch is both practical and fashionable, and this style adds a touch of sparkle to simple outfits.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The open North Rim camping at Fire Point and Swamp Ridge, is primitive and requires a backcountry permit.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Chinese navy already makes port calls in Myanmar, but these are brief stays in facilities too primitive to provide naval advantage.—
Dan Swift,
Foreign Affairs,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Aw-shucks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aw-shucks. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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