espièglerie

es·piè·gle·rie

noun \es-pyeg-lə-ˈrē\

Definition of ESPIÈGLERIE

: the quality or state of being roguish or frolicsome

Examples of ESPIÈGLERIE

1. <a delightful young woman whose espièglerie and sophisticated wit make her a favorite party guest>
2. <a femme fatale with a penchant for sophisticated espièglerie that men found irresistible>

Origin of ESPIÈGLERIE

French, from espiègle

First Known Use: 1815

Related to ESPIÈGLERIE

Synonyms: coltishness, playfulness, friskiness, impishness, larkiness, mischief, mischievousness, prankishness, sportfulness, sportiveness, tricksiness

Antonyms: earnestness, soberness, sobersidedness

Related Words: coyness, kittenishness; archness, devilment, devilry (or deviltry), hob, rascality, roguishness, waggery; devilishness, diabolicalness, knavery; frivolousness; energy, liveliness, spiritedness, sprightliness, spunkiness, vivaciousness, vivacity; gaiety (also gayety), jocularity, jocundity, lightheartedness, mirthfulness, whimsicality

Near Antonyms: graveness, grimness, serious-mindedness, seriousness, solemnity, solemnness, sternness; priggishness, starchiness, stuffiness; constraint, restraint, self-control

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide