pertly

pertly

English

Etymology

Etymology tree
English pert
English -ly
English pertly

    From pert + -ly.

    Adverb

    pertly (comparative more pertly, superlative most pertly)

    1. In a manner that is lively or high-spirited
      • 1922, Sinclair Lewis, “24”, in Babbitt:
        "Dearie, you aren't going to go and get peevish, are you?" She spoke pertly. He wanted to spank her.
      • 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:
        TA pretty girl passed him on her way to work and he greeted her indulgently. She winked pertly back at him, proving for all time that she was not a watcher.

    Anagrams

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