Pronunciation: [vˈɪksən] (IPA) 
The word "vixen" is commonly spelled with the letters V-I-X-E-N. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈvɪksən/. The "v" sound is represented by the letter V while the "i" sound is represented by the letter I. The "ks" sound is represented by the letters X and the "ən" sound is represented by the letter E followed by the schwa symbol. The spelling of the word stays true to its pronunciation and is easy to remember.
Vixen is a noun that is derived from Old English and used to describe a female fox. However, in modern usage, this term has developed various metaphorical and connotative meanings.
The primary definition of vixen refers to a female fox, a small carnivorous mammal known for its cunning nature and distinctive appearance. It is characterized by its reddish-brown fur, bushy tail, and sharp facial features.
Metaphorically, vixen can also describe a woman who is perceived as being cunning, aggressive, or shrewd. This usage carries a negative connotation, often implying that the woman in question is manipulative, devious, or untrustworthy in her behavior or actions. It suggests a personality or character trait that can be described as sly, clever, or even dangerous.
Furthermore, vixen can be used idiomatically to describe a woman who is attractive, alluring, and has an appealingly strong and often sexually independent demeanor. This connotation emphasizes the woman's seductive qualities and confidence, often with a sense of allure and power.
In summary, while the primary dictionary definition of vixen refers to a female fox, this term has evolved to capture metaphorical meanings. It can relate to a woman's cunning and shrewd nature, often with negative connotations, or to describe an attractive and confident woman, particularly in a sexual context.
A she-fox; a name in reproach applied to a woman, whose nature is thus compared to that of a she-fox; an ill-tempered, quarrelsome woman.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vixen" has its origins in Old English. It comes from the word "fyxe", which meant a female fox. This Old English term eventually evolved into "fixen" and later into "vixen". The original Proto-Germanic word from which "fyxe" derives is believed to be "fukhōn", which also referred to a fox. The term "vixen" has been used since at least the 14th century to describe both a female fox and, with a metaphorical association, a woman who is cunning or ill-tempered.
