Dictionary

pertly en · ADV

Etymology

Etymology tree English pert Middle English -ly English -ly English pertly From pert + -ly.

Meanings

1. In a manner that is lively or high-spirited
   • "Dearie, you aren't going to go and get peevish, are you?" She spoke pertly. He wanted to spank her. 1922, Sinclair Lewis, “24”, in Babbitt:
   • ‘There ain’t no serviettes,’ said the waitress, pertly. 1933, Frank Clune, Try Anything Once, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 168:
   • TA pretty girl passed him on her way to work and he greeted her indulgently. She winked pertly back at him, proving for all time that she was not a watcher. 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:

Forms