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Impish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impish

[หˆษชmpษชสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

playful behavior

Having or showing a playful desire to cause trouble.

Synonyms

mischievous, naughty, playful, roguish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impish

Use this when describing someone, often a child, who behaves in a humorous or slightly troublesome way, typically in a manner that is more amusing than harmful.

  • Her impish smile always indicated that she was up to something amusing.
  • The teacher couldn't help but laugh at the impish antics of the young boy.
mischievous

This is suitable when talking about someone who enjoys causing trouble or playing tricks, but usually not in a harmful manner. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • The cat gave a mischievous look before knocking over the vase.
  • He has a mischievous nature, always finding ways to play little pranks on his friends.
naughty

Best used to describe children who are disobedient or behave badly. It often carries a mild negative connotation but is usually not meant to be harsh.

  • The naughty child was reprimanded for hiding his sister's shoes.
  • She gave the puppy a stern look for its naughty behavior.
playful

Appropriate for describing someone who is full of fun and games, often in a joyful and light-hearted manner. It doesnโ€™t typically carry any negative connotation.

  • The children were in a playful mood, running around and laughing.
  • His playful demeanor made him very popular at parties.
roguish

Use when talking about someone who is charmingly dishonest or playfully mischievous. It can have a slightly negative connotation but is often used in an affectionate way.

  • He flashed a roguish grin before revealing the hidden ace up his sleeve.
  • With a roguish twinkle in his eye, he recounted his latest adventure.

Examples of usage

  • He had an impish grin on his face.
  • She had an impish sense of humor that kept everyone entertained.
  • The impish child kept hiding his toys around the house.
  • Her impish nature made her a favorite among her friends.
  • The impish puppy ran around the yard, wagging its tail.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, impish characters often serve as tricksters who challenge norms or provide comic relief.
  • Famous characters like Puck in Shakespeareโ€™s 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' exemplify impish behavior through their enchanting mischief.
  • Children's stories frequently feature impish characters, like mischievous fairies, who embody playful mischief.

Psychology

  • Engaging in impish behavior can foster creativity and problem-solving, as it often involves thinking outside the box.
  • Psychologists note that a bit of mischief among friends can strengthen relationships by adding playful dynamics.
  • Mischievous behavior stimulates laughter, which is known to release endorphins and reduce stress.

Pop Culture

  • Film and TV often portray impish characters as lovable troublemakers, like the character Bart Simpson in 'The Simpsons.'
  • Comics and cartoons feature impish creatures such as gremlins, who cause playful chaos.
  • The character Loki in Marvel comics and movies embodies impish traits with his cunning and playful trickery.

Art

  • In art, impish figures frequently appear in works depicting folklore, adding a whimsical touch to traditional themes.
  • Famous painters like Hieronymus Bosch used impish imagery to provoke thought and entertain viewers.
  • Sculptures, especially in garden art, often include mischievous creatures as symbols of nature's unpredictability.

Origin of 'impish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'imp,' which refers to a small, mischievous creature often found in fairy tales.
  • It gained usage in English around the late 19th century to describe someone with a mischievous nature.
  • Related to the Old English word 'impian,' which means 'to put in,' linked to the idea of creating or causing mischief.

The word 'impish' originated from the Middle English word 'ympe', which meant a young shoot or scion. Over time, 'impish' evolved to describe someone who is mischievous or playful in a slightly naughty way. The term is often used to affectionately describe someone who enjoys causing a bit of trouble in a lighthearted manner.

See also: imp.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,988 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.