pertly
English edit
Etymology edit
Adverb edit
pertly (comparative more pertly, superlative most pertly)
- 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.