Word: malapert
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...early meanings run "open, unconcealed, manifest." A very early (and pleasant) usage is translated as "beautiful." Later, the meaning became "smart, dapper." From there we go on to "sharp, intelligent, adroit and clever." And if this were not enough, to "forward in speech and behavior, saucy, cheeky and malapert." After that the S.O.E.D. proclaims that pert "may be used as a vague expression of disfavor." Comes now, "bold," followed by "esp. in a bad sense" and after that "audacious, lively, bright, sprightly, in good spirits, or jolly." . . . . . You comprehend my dilemma? I don't know whether to send...
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