puckish

American  

[puhk-ish] / ˈpʌk ɪʃ /

adjective

(often initial capital letter)

1. mischievous; impish.

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Other Word Forms

• puckishly adjective
• puckishness noun

Etymology

Origin of puckish

First recorded in 1870–75; Puck + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

One might call the whole thing puckish, if that weren’t beneath the dignity of the very funny-lovely “Seasons.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

But they tend to be more puckish than productive, and that’s part of their charm.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2024

Richard’s voice—so puckish and irreverent, singing “burn baby burn,” even talking about burning calories—was so unserious that it was infectious.

From Salon • Jul. 25, 2024

We met at Le Bernardin — Grey’s choice — and for two hours they shared stories, Redmayne reverential and thoughtful, Grey puckish and supportive.

From New York Times • May 15, 2024

Then, laughing, he slides down and away, throwing a puckish glance back to see if I’ll follow.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black