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Synonyms

frisky

American  
[fris-kee] / ˈfrɪs ki /

adjective

friskier, friskiest
  1. lively; frolicsome; playful.


frisky British  
/ ˈfrɪskɪ /

adjective

  1. lively, high-spirited, or playful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of frisky

First recorded in 1515–25; frisk + -y 1

Explanation

The adjective frisky means playful or lively. Your frisky puppy likes to play tug-of-war with your socks, whether they're on or off your feet. Frisky is from the Middle English word frisk, which in turn was based on the Old French word frisque. In all cases, the words mean lively and merry. Frisky is often used to describe animals, but the term is also sometimes used as a mild euphemism for being playfully affectionate.

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Vocabulary lists containing frisky

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But “The Sign,” which also finds Chilli trying to save the wedding when Frisky runs off, gives the adult characters even more time in the spotlight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2024

Frisky is welcome to roam the house when guests you know to be compatible with her are present.

From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2023

Feminist blog the Frisky said: “We aren’t asking Tina Fey to ‘explain jokes,’ we’re asking her to listen.”

From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2016

Explaining why he thought he’d been misunderstood, he pointed people to an interview he’d done with Rebecca Vipond Brink, a writer for the Frisky.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2015

There are old-timers, too, like Frisky and Sal, who’ve already made their bank and are basically retired.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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