To simper
Posted by ESC on September 05, 2004
In Reply to: To simper posted by David FG on September 05, 2004
: : : Does "simper" mean "to say or smile coyly"?
: : : and is it commonly used?
: : : thanks a lot more
: : I never heard of this word ( I am in the US ) till today and I thank you for enriching me.
: : "Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish dialect simper, affected, coy.
: : intransitive senses : to smile in a silly manner"
:
: All this is true - I would add that I think it implies a sort of cunning element too; of artful fake innocence aimed at getting something.
: It is in fairly common usage in the UK - that is my impression, anyway.
I'm in the U.S. and I've heard the word "simpering." Mostly to describe a woman's actions.
- To simper James Briggs 05/September/04