de·vi·ous /ˈdēvēəs/ Learn to pronounce adjective 1. showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals. "he's as devious as a politician needs to be" Similar: underhand underhanded deceitful dishonest dishonorable disreputable unethical unprincipled immoral unscrupulous fraudulent cheating dubious dirty unfair treacherous duplicitous double-dealing Janus-faced below the belt two-timing two-faced unsporting unsportsmanlike crafty cunning calculating artful conniving scheming designing sly wily guileful tricky sneaky sneaking furtive secret secretive clandestine surreptitious covert veiled shrouded cloak-and-dagger hugger-mugger hole-and-corner hidden back-alley backstairs under the table conspiratorial snide snidey crooked shady bent lowdown murky fishy dodgy shonky slim Opposite: above board 2. (of a route or journey) longer and less direct than the most straightforward way. "they arrived at the town by a devious route" Similar: circuitous
☆ taunt
/tônt/ Learn to pronounce noun a remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone. "pupils will play truant rather than face the taunts of classmates about their ragged clothes" Similar: jeer gibe sneer insult barb catcall brickbat scoff slap in the face teasing taunting provocation goading ridiculing derision mockery sarcasm dig put-down sledge verb provoke or challenge (someone) with insulting remarks. "students began taunting her about her weight"