naughty list

English

Etymology

Certainly connected with, and possibly derived from, the lyrics of a Christmas carol, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town":

He's makin a list / and checkin it twice / He's gonna find out / who's naughty or nice

Pronunciation

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

Noun

naughty list (plural naughty lists)

1. According to Christmas folklore, a list kept by Santa Claus of children who have been naughty, and who will therefore not be given as many presents.

   Antonym: Christmas list

2. (by extension) Any hypothetical list of naughty people.

   You don't want to get on the FBI's naughty list.