simper

American  

[sim-per] / ˈsɪm pər /

verb (used without object)

1. to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.

   Synonyms:

   snicker, snigger, smirk

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verb (used with object)

1. to say with a simper.

noun

1. a silly, self-conscious smile.

   Synonyms:

   snicker, snigger, smirk

simper British  

/ ˈsɪmpə /

verb

1. (intr) to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way

2. (tr) to utter (something) in a simpering manner

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noun

1. a simpering smile; smirk

Other Word Forms

• simperer noun
• simpering adjective
• simperingly adverb
• unsimpering adjective

Etymology

Origin of simper

First recorded in 1560–70; related to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss dialect adjective semper “affected, coy,” German zimpfer “dainty, affected,” and to Middle Dutch zimperlijc “affected, coy”; further etymology unknown

Example Sentences

Like all the best confidence tricksters, Ripley reads people, each nervous twitch, each self-regarding simper, using every moment of weakness for his own gain.

From The Guardian • Apr. 28, 2018

He tweeted: "*blush* *giggle* *simper* - thank you very much, nice Golden Rose people."

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2015

Thirty years later, I look at my teenage daughters' girlfriends: they don't simper.

From The Guardian • Jun. 29, 2013

Soon she and Vinny have established a playful rapport that causes Edgar to whimper and simper in jealousy.

From New York Times • Oct. 28, 2011

He couldn’t simper around these fools and still be what he was becoming for Naomi.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez