Wolfish

Wolfish is an English adjective used to describe something that relates to wolves or resembles wolves in form or behavior. It can refer to physical traits such as a wolfish snout or eyes, to behavioral qualities like wolfish cunning or predatory instincts, or to moods evocative of a wolf, such as wolfish hunger or ferocity.

Originating from Old English wulfisc, derived from wulf "wolf" with the suffix -isc, wolfish has long conveyed the idea of wolf-like characteristics. The word is closely related to other wolf-related terms, such as lupine, though lupine is more common in scientific or formal contexts.

In modern usage, wolfish is mainly literary or descriptive rather than technical. It often carries a dramatic or figurative tone; a wolfish grin implies sly or threatening amusement, and a wolfish gaze can feel intimidating. The term can be neutral when describing appearance, but it frequently carries connotations of stealth, danger, or aggression.

Related terms include lupine, meaning wolf-like in a more formal or biological sense, and phrases such as wolf-like or a wolfish grin that capture similar ideas in different registers.