simpern.
/ˈsɪmpə/, U.S. /ˈsɪmpər/ 1. An affectedly coy or bashful smile; a smile expressive of, or intended to convey, guileless pleasure, childlike innocence, or the like; a smirk; an act of simpering.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > [noun] > a smile > a simper or smirk
smirk?1570
simper1606
the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > [noun] > affectation in looks or gestures > smiling affectedly > an affected smile
smirk?1570
simper1606
smirtle1801
1606 N. Breton Choice, Chance, & Change sig. G1 As if he had bin a prologue to a play, with a wink & simper thus begins.
1673 Bp. S. Parker Reproof Rehearsal Transprosed 521 Make up your Mouth betwixt a smile and a simper.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 179. ¶7 The Whistler relaxed his Fibres into a kind of Simper.
1779 G. Keate Sketches from Nature (ed. 2) I. 23 I suppose, by your simper,..that but few people come now to Becket's shrine for a kiss.
1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus i. iv. 12/1 Some men wear an everlasting barren simper.
1855 Putnam's Monthly Mag. Feb. 147/1 I drove away the rage, assumed as pretty a simper as I could muster, and ventured to remark, [etc.].
1932 ‘L. G. Gibbon’ Sunset Song 22 Lying on his back with his arms crossed and a daft-like simper on his face.
1983 P. Ustinov My Russia vii. 82 His pug nose raised above a characteristic simper gave him a remarkably fatuous appearance.
2014 B. Bailey Splendid Things we Planned i. 19 His smile was an occasional simper of amused superiority.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > [noun] > an affected manner or appearance > an affectation
fangle1583
affect1588
coxcombitya1697
coxcombry1777
simper1824
frilla1845
frounce1881
1824 Lit. Magnet 1 378 The simper of fashionable discourse.
1828 Marly: Planter's Life in Jamaica 1 Few would believe him, if he fell into the common simper of whining about the comfort of convicted felons.
1883 Academy 19 May 353/3 [She] shows off in the courtyard of her home to the admiration of all the members of her family..with just that touch of conscious simper and affectation that might be expected.
Compounds
Forming adjectives that have the sense ‘that has a simper upon the —’, by combining with a noun + -ed, as in simper-faced, simper-lipped. rare.
ΚΠ
?1800 Lintoun Green 14 The Boar was round as any clue, Was smooth and simper fac'd.
1840 Chartist Circular 11 July 170/1 The simper-lipped Whigs talk to us of the necessity of a property qualification.
1997 L. Ferriss Misconceiver x. 112 A tall, simper-faced woman stands there in gray uniform.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
simperv.1
/ˈsɪmpə/, U.S. /ˈsɪmpər/ Now rare (chiefly U.S. and English regional in later use).† 2. transitive. To cause or allow (a liquid, etc.) to simmer. Obsolete.
1. intransitive. To simmer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > action of boiling > boil [verb (intransitive)] > simmer
simpera1500
siver1601
simmera1637
sotter1781
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 1268 (MED) Remembre that watire wil bubbil & boylle, But buttir shulde sympire, & also oyle.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 718/1 I symper, as lycour dothe on the fyre byfore it begynneth to boyle.
1584 J. Dee Jrnl. in True & Faithful Relation Spirits (1659) i. 214 By it seemeth to be a great Lake of pitch: and it playeth or simpreth, as water doth, when it beginneth to seethe.
1639 O. Wood Alphabet. Bk. Physicall Secrets 187 Let it simper softly till the Wine and Aqua-vitæ be wasted.
a1691 R. Boyle Medicinal Exper. (1692) I. v. 41 Let the Vessel stand in a moderate heat, that the Liquor may simper for many hours.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Verjuice The Verjuice must not be boil'd, but let it simper only.
1767 H. Robertson Young Ladies School of Arts (ed. 2) 77 Put in your oranges, and let them simper over a slow fire, till they be quite clear.
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) 301 Simper, to simmer.
1855 J. Hunter Hallamshire Gloss. (ed. 2) (BL Add. 24540) f. 107 Simper. Simmer its equivalent is in good usage: but there is good reason to think that the people of Hallamshire have here retained an old and genuine word.
1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down 90 Simper, to simmer.
1895 N.Y. Observer 21 Mar. 389/3 In telling how she cooked a certain dish, she said she ‘jist let it simper on the stove a bit av a while’.
1910 Pract. Druggist June 435/1 Season with a small pinch of paprika and let it simper.
1934 My Garden Aug. 614 Let it simper on slowly for another couple of hours—but don't let the water in lower half of pan boil over.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 304/1 Simper, simmer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > action of boiling > boil or cause to boil [verb (transitive)] > simmer
simper1604
simmer1664
1604 Penniles Parl. Threed-bare Poets in Iacke of Dover Quest of Inquirie sig. G3v Other some simper it with an egge at dinner.
1691 W. Yworth New Art of making Wines iii. 39 Decoct to every gallon of Water three pints of Honey, and gently simper it half an hour.
1700 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana (ed. 2) iii. iii. 686/2 You are then to add the Balsam de Tolu,..and Rose-water; simpering it till the Rose-water is evaporated.
1767 ‘Ceres’ Lady's Compan. 20 Toss them up in a stew-pan, with a little melted bacon moisten'd with gravy, and simper'd over a gentle fire.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
simperv.2
/ˈsɪmpə/, U.S. /ˈsɪmpər/ 1.
a. † (b) intransitive. In similes alluding to, or partially overlapping with, simper v.1 In later use only in proverbial use in to simper like a frumenty kettle (see frumenty n. Compounds 1). Obsolete.In these quots. the reference to simmering pots, kettles, etc., suggests that the literal sense of the verb may originally have expressed some vocal action as well as the physical act of smiling (cf. sense 1b), although it may alternatively reflect the notion of a smile playing upon the face.
(a) intransitive. To smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affectedly coy or bashful manner, or in a way that is expressive of or is intended to convey guileless pleasure, childlike innocence, or the like. Formerly also transitive with it in same sense, as †to simper it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > smile [verb (intransitive)] > simper or smirk
smirkc888
simper1546
smirkle?c1590
smirtlea1650
smicker1802
the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > be affected or act affectedly [verb (intransitive)] > use affected posture or gesture > expression > smile
smirkc888
simper1546
smirkle?c1590
smirtlea1650
smilesmirk1922
1546 [implied in: S. Gardiner Detection Deuils Sophistrie f. lxxxvi Iesters, railers, rimers, plaiers..& simpering parets, take vpon them to be administratours & officers. (at simpering adj.1 1)].
?1562 Jacke Jugeler sig. B.i She simperith, she prankith and getteth with out faille.
1575 G. North tr. Philibert Philosopher of Court 16 Counterfaite Courtiers whiche simper it in outwarde shewe, making pretie mouthes [etc.].
1622 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Phylaster (new ed.) i. 2 She is one that may..simper when shee is courted by her friend.
1652 B. Oley Life G. Herbert in G. Herbert Priest to Temple sig. b7v His Birth and Spirit prompted him to Martiall Atchievements,..and not to sit simpering over a Book.
1658 J. Spencer Καινα και Παλαια 607 They [sc. religious hypocrites] simper it devoutly, and rail Jesuitically against Church and State.
1721 T. D'Urfey Ariadne ii. i, in New Opera's 205 Oh! how she would teehee, and simper, and sneer.
1770 F. Burney Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1988) I. 124 She..lisps affectedly, simpers designedly, and lookes conceitedly.
1832 R. Lander & J. Lander Jrnl. Exped. Niger III. xx. 215 Addigetta..smiles or simpers most engagingly whenever she is more than ordinarily pleased.
1878 A. Trollope Is he Popenjoy? I. xii. 162 ‘Your husband cares about your appearance,’ said Mrs. Houghton, turning her eyes upon Lord George. He simpered and looked pleased.
1922 P. Guedalla Second Empire xvi. 373 One seems to see them simpering prettily in their great skirts and their little hats.
1969 N.Y. Amsterdam News 20 Dec. 22/2 Suzanne Grossman simpers and sobs.
2006 M. Faber in Granta Summer 49 She simpered at the camera.
ΚΠ
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. C4 I simpered with my countenance lyke a porredge pot on the fire when it first begins to seeth.
1631 W. Saltonstall Picturæ Loquentes sig. C5 The name of Bride makes her simper like a pot that's ready to run o're.
1656 Wit & Drollery 137 Andrew chuckt Maudlin under the chin, Simper she did like a furmity kettle.
1732 T. Fuller Gnomologia 177 She simpers like a Frumenty-Kettle.
1751 J. Marchant Puerilia 80 They simper'd and smil'd like a Firmity Kettle.
1863 J. S. Le Fanu House by Church-yard I. iv. 41 ‘See how she smiles.’ ‘Ay, she simpers like a firmity kettle,’ said scornful Miss Mag.
1895 Punch 21 Sept. 135/2 Already you simper like a furmety kettle.
b. transitive. To say, utter, or express (something) with a simper, or in a simpering manner. Also with forth, out, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > with a sneer, laugh, etc.
laugheOE
simper1567
sneer1693
titter1787
chuckle out1820
snigger1857
sniff1859
smile1860
smirk1879
1567 J. Jewel Def. Apol. Churche Eng. vi. 633 Iacobus Nachiantes.., for that he had simpred out one halfe woorde of truthe to the mislikinge of the Legates, was faine to renne to Rome, to crepe to the Popes feete, and to craue Pardonne.
1755 Chit-chat II. iv. 156 As every woman in the company, except Mrs. Freemer, took this compliment to herself,..they simper'd approbation.
1791 E. Sayer Essays 78 One of the waiters..simpered out, ‘He is expected every moment.’
1801 M. Edgeworth Angelina iv, in Moral Tales II. 106 ‘He! he! he!’ simpered Nat.—‘I am Orlando, of whom you have heard so much.’
1843 E. Bulwer-Lytton Last of Barons I. ii. iii. 198 Must I go bonnet in hand and simper forth, the sleek personals of the choice of her kith and house?
1852 C. J. Lever Daltons I. xix. 156 ‘Yes, Sir Stafford,’ simpered out that bland personage.
1912 F. Harrison Among my Bks. v. 99 Emperors simper out their love in the language of the courtier's sonnet.
1913 G. O'Donovan Father Ralph xii. 210 He simpered his thanks for the hearty reception.
1967 Harper's Bazaar Apr. 104/3 ‘Oh, Henry,’ she simpered, ‘don't you think we're both a little old for that sort of thing?’
2016 D. Kraus Empire Decayed 44 Von Lüth simpered his pleasure and pointed at the ceiling.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > cry of grief > cry with grief [verb (intransitive)] > cry feebly or plaintively
whingea1150
whinec1275
plaina1425
fipple?1507
whimper1513
mewla1530
pulea1535
whimp1549
whewla1560
simper1613
whindle1709
grizzle1842
squinny1847
wimick1850
mizzlea1935
1613 T. Lodge tr. Seneca Epist. xi, in tr. Seneca Wks. (1614) 178 To some their knees tremble, to others their teeth chatter, their tongue varies, their lips simper.
1665 R. Monsey Scarronides 5 Poor Æneas like a Babe Simpers, and cannot chuse but cry.
1838 J. R. Brown Ess. Cultiv. of Infant Mind (ed. 6) 180 The great end sought by most children is to have their own way: for this they will..simper, cry, and sulk.
1865 J. Sleigh Attempt at Derbyshire Gloss. in Reliquary 5 162/2 Simper, to cry as a spoiled child.
1888 Boston Investigator 26 Dec. 1/2 Adam, like a great blubbering boy, hid behind a barberry bush, crying and simpering.
1913 A. H. McKeighan Our Hour Alone 269 He lingers to simper, and whimper, and cry.
3. intransitive. To glimmer, shimmer, twinkle. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > gleam, glimmer, or flicker
shimmera1100
blenk1303
leamc1330
blysnec1400
glimmerc1400
glimpsec1400
glintc1440
glim1481
lemyrea1500
glimster1565
glance1568
flicker1608
simper1633
gloat1644
gleen1662
shimper1674
blink1786
skimmer1788
flash1791
sheen1812
glinter1851
flimmer1880
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or glitter
twinklec888
shimc950
blika1000
glisec1000
glistenc1000
glista1225
glore13..
sparkc1300
glisterc1380
sparklec1386
spranklea1387
glittera1400
sprinklea1400
blikenc1400
glaster1447
springlec1460
sprangle1495
brandish1552
pink1589
scintillate1623
simper1633
twink1637
spangle1639
scintill1681
scintillize1694
prinkle1724
skinkle1765
winkle1791
coruscate1807
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 156 Yet can I mark how starres above Simper and shine.
a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Lovers Progres iii. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kkk4/2 The candles are all out. Lanc. But one i' the parlor, I see it simper hether, pray come this way.
1683 J. Pettus tr. L. Ercker ii. xlviii. 219 in Fleta Minor i. The Gold may simper and quiver.
1893 A. W. Tourgée Out of Sunset Sea xiii. 146 The stars simpered dim and trembling through the thirsty air.
1960 A. O. D. Claxton Suffolk Dial. 20th Cent. (ed. 2) 70 Simper, to glimmer, to burn faintly.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1606v.1a1500v.21546