sheepish

[ shee-pish ]

/ ˈʃi pɪʃ /

embarrassed or bashful, as by having done something wrong or foolish.

like sheep, as in meekness, docility, etc.

Origin of sheepish

First recorded in 1150–1200, sheepish is from the Middle English word shepisshe. See sheep, -ish¹

sheep·ish·ly, adverb sheep·ish·ness, noun

The other kind of clueless father I encounter on a semi-regular basis is the sheepish variety.

Doctor to Dads: You’re Doing It Wrong |Russell Saunders |February 23, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
There are denials from phone makers and carriers, sheepish admissions from others.

Cellphone Spyware, Like All Your Technology, Keeps Tabs on You |Dan Lyons |December 1, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
That left the small but fervid legion of believers who had dropped everything feeling upset and sheepish.

8 Questions About the New Rapture |David A. Graham |October 20, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
"I would have sheltered him, or killed for him to be completely honest…" and her voice trails off in a sheepish tone.

Horrifying 'Little Girl Sex Cult' |Diane Dimond |June 1, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

It must be confessed that Vosh looked more than a little "sheepish" when he walked forward, and held out his hands for the prize.

Winter Fun |William O. Stoddard
The sentry muttered a sheepish apology, pleading the unusual noise at this hour.

The Storm Centre |Charles Egbert Craddock
Paolin of course dragged the worthy Paolon in his wake, he being still in a state of limp and sheepish resistance.

The Patriot |Antonio Fogazzaro
He shook his head, and hung it, and kept a sheepish silence.

The Deserter, and Other Stories |Harold Frederic
They wear such a funny, sheepish, found-out sort of expression.

More About Peggy |Mrs G. de Horne Vaizey

sheepish

/ (ˈʃiːpɪʃ) /

abashed or embarrassed, esp through looking foolish or being in the wrong

resembling a sheep in timidity or lack of initiative

sheepishly, adverb sheepishness, noun