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To simper
Posted by David FG on September 05, 2004
In Reply to: To simper posted by Bruce Kahl 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.
