The term IN A NASTY WAY can be summarized by two crossword solutions: SNIDELY (7 letters) and BASELY (6 letters). SNIDELY is a character from the Dudley Do-Right cartoons, created by Jay Ward in the late 1950s. He is a villainous figure who often acts in a nasty way. BASELY is an adjective meaning 'in a mean or despicable way'. Both words are used to describe someone who behaves in a cruel or unpleasant manner.