puckish

UK: ˈpʌkɪʃ | US: ˈpʌkɪʃ

Definition

  1. adj. mischievous or playful in a whimsical or teasing way

Structure
puck <mischievous sprite>ish <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "puckish" derives from "Puck," the name of a mischievous fairy or sprite in English folklore (most famously appearing in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream). The suffix "-ish" turns the noun into an adjective, implying a characteristic resembling Puck’s playful trickery. Over time, "puckish" evolved to describe humans or actions with a similarly impish, lighthearted mischief.

Examples

  1. His puckish grin hinted at the prank he’d just pulled.

  2. The comedian’s puckish humor delighted the audience.

  3. She gave a puckish reply, leaving everyone laughing.

  4. The artist’s puckish illustrations added charm to the book.

  5. Despite his age, he retained a puckish sense of fun.