Vixen vs. Fox — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 3, 2023
A vixen is specifically a female fox, while "fox" can refer to any member of the species, regardless of sex.
Difference Between Vixen and Fox
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A vixen is a term specifically used to denote a female fox, while the word fox can refer to any individual of the species or the species as a whole, without specifying gender. Both terms are used in various contexts, both literally and figuratively, but the distinction lies in gender specificity.
When someone refers to a vixen, they are always talking about a female fox. On the other hand, when someone uses the term fox, further clarification is needed to understand whether they're discussing a male (a dog fox), a female, or the species in general.
The word vixen has also developed connotations beyond its zoological meaning, often used to describe a woman perceived as cunning or attractive. The word fox, while it can also refer to a cunning individual, does not carry the same gendered implications when used metaphorically.
Vixen is rarely used outside the context of foxes or metaphorical references to women, whereas fox has broader uses, including as a surname, in brand names, and as a term in various expressions like "sly as a fox."
Lastly, while both words can have a certain cultural or metaphorical weight, 'vixen' is more likely to be found in discussions of fox behavior or in literary contexts, whereas 'fox' is a more common and versatile term used in everyday language.
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Comparison Chart
Gender Specificity
Always female.
Gender-neutral; can be male or female.
Etymology
Old English "fyxen" meaning female fox.
Old English "fox," meaning the animal in general.
Metaphorical Use
Can imply a spiteful or attractive woman.
May imply craftiness or cleverness in general.
Frequency of Use
Less common, more specific.
More common, used in various contexts.
Linguistic Variation
No other meanings beyond the literal and figurative.
Used in surnames, brand names, and various phrases.
Compare with Definitions
Vixen
Female Fox.
The vixen cared for her pups in the den.
Fox
Wild Animal.
The fox sneaked into the henhouse at night.
Vixen
Spiteful Woman.
In the play, the character was portrayed as a vixen.
Fox
Clever Person.
He's a fox when it comes to business deals.
Vixen
A female fox.
Fox
Small Canine.
Red foxes are the largest of the true foxes.
Vixen
A female fox.
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or brush).
Vixen
A woman regarded as sexually alluring.
Fox
A member of a North American people formerly living in southern Wisconsin, and now mainly in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Vixen
A woman regarded as quarrelsome or ill-tempered.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox, now almost extinct.
Vixen
A female fox.
Fox
Baffle or deceive (someone)
The abbreviation foxed me completely
Vixen
A malicious, quarrelsome or temperamental woman.
Fox
Relating to the Fox or their language.
Vixen
(colloquial) A racy or salacious woman who is sexually attractive.
Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Vixen
(colloquial) A wife who has sex with other men with her husband's consent.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Vixen
A female fox.
Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Vixen
A cross, ill-tempered person; - formerly used of either sex, now only of a woman.
She was a vixen when she went to school.
Fox
The fur of one of these mammals.
Vixen
A malicious fierce-tempered woman
Fox
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Vixen
Foxy Lady.
She was known as the vixen of the group due to her charm.
Fox
(Slang) A sexually attractive person.
Vixen
Cunning Female.
The novel's heroine was a vixen in her dealings.
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Vixen
Attractive Woman.
He described his date as a vixen because of her looks.
Fox
(Archaic) A sword.
Fox
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Fox
To baffle or confuse.
Fox
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Fox
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Fox
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Fox
To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Fox
The fur of a fox.
Fox
A fox terrier.
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Fox
A cunning person.
Fox
A physically attractive man or woman.
Fox
A person with reddish brown hair, usually a woman.
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
Fox
A hidden radio transmitter, finding which is the goal of radiosport.
Fox
(cartomancy) The fourteenth Lenormand card.
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Fox
Air-to-air weapon launched.
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Fox
(intransitive) To act slyly or craftily.
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Fox
(transitive) To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
(transitive) To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Fox
The European dragonet.
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Fox
A sly, cunning fellow.
We call a crafty and cruel man a fox.
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Fox
To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Fox
To turn sour; - said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Fox
A shifty deceptive person
Fox
The gray or reddish-brown fur of a fox
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox people
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Fox
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots
Fox
Trickster Figure.
In folklore, the fox often plays the trickster.
Fox
Attractive Individual.
They called him a silver fox because of his distinguished grey hair.
Common Curiosities
Is the term fox gender-specific?
No, it's used for both male and female foxes.
What does fox mean?
Fox refers to a member of a canine species known for its cunning; can be male or female.
Are all foxes called vixens?
No, only female foxes are called vixens.
Can vixen have other meanings?
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to a crafty or attractive woman.
Is vixen ever used positively?
It can be, particularly when referring to attractiveness or spiritedness.
What is a vixen?
A vixen is a female fox.
Does fox have meanings beyond the animal?
Yes, it's used to describe someone clever or attractive and in various idioms.
In what context would you use vixen in writing?
When describing a female fox or a metaphorically similar woman.
What is a male fox called?
A male fox is often referred to as a dog, tod, or reynard.
How do I distinguish between a fox and a vixen?
A vixen is strictly female; if gender is unknown, use fox.
Are the terms vixen and fox interchangeable?
Not exactly, due to the gender specificity of vixen.
Is the word fox used in any expressions?
Yes, such as "sly as a fox" or "crazy like a fox."
Why might someone be called a vixen?
For being spirited, attractive, or cunning, typically in reference to a woman.
Can the term fox be offensive?
Context matters; it can be seen as complimentary or reductive.
What's the juvenile term for a fox?
A young fox is called a kit, cub, or pup.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
