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.