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Puckishly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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puckishly

[ˈpʌkɪʃli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

playful behavior

Puckishly means in a mischievous or playful manner, often associated with causing slight trouble or playful annoyance. The term derives its meaning from the character Puck in Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', who is known for his playful antics and tricks. When used in a sentence, it describes actions that are spirited and cheeky, often intended to amuse rather than harm. It implies a sense of whimsy and lightheartedness.

Synonyms

impishly, jokingly, mischievously, playfully.

Examples of usage

  • She puckishly teased her brother.
  • His puckishly charming smile drew everyone in.
  • The kitten played puckishly with the yarn.
  • The children laughed puckishly during the prank.

Translations

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

Origin of 'puckishly'

The word 'puckishly' derives from the noun 'Puck', a character in English folklore that has been perpetuated in the literature of the Renaissance period, especially by William Shakespeare in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Puck is often depicted as a roguish sprite or fairy known for his playful, mischievous nature and knack for trickery. The adverbial form 'puckishly' adopts this sense and suggests behavior that is whimsically mischievous. The usage of the term in literature began to rise in the late 19th century as 'Puck' became a symbol of playful mischief in various works. Over time, 'puckish' has come to describe anyone or anything that embodies this playful spirit, not just the character from folklore.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,732, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.