What does impish mean?
Impish describes playful, teasing behaviour that suggests a hint of naughtiness or deliberate troublemaking. The word is often used for a mischievous expression, such as an impish grin, or for a person whose wit and curiosity are lively and slightly irreverent. Its implication is generally affectionate or good-humoured rather than cruel: an impish joke may be cheeky without being seriously offensive. The adjective can also convey a subtle, almost supernatural quality of elfin mischief. It is useful in literary description because it captures both mischief and an awareness of how one’s behaviour appears to others, making it more expressive than simply calling someone naughty. In modern English, it is used in both British and American usage and is especially common in fiction, memoir, criticism, and descriptions of facial expressions.
adjectiveMischievous in a playful, slightly impudent way. It describes behaviour, expressions, or people whose humor is teasing, naughty, or intended to provoke mild amusement.
- Playfully mischievous, naughty, or slightly impudent.
"She answered his solemn question with an impish grin."
"The children exchanged impish glances as the teacher turned away."
"His impish wit softened even the harshest criticism."
An impish grin announces that mischief is already in residence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impish come from?
The adjective was formed in the 17th century by adding the suffix “-ish” to “imp,” an older word for a small, malicious demon. The suffix originally gave the derived word the sense of “resembling an imp,” before it came to describe mischievous or impudent behaviour. Related words such as “impiety” and “impious” come through the Latin root “impus,” meaning irreligious or impious.
Related word forms
How impish is actually used
The tone is usually light and good-humoured rather than hostile, although it can imply mild impudence. It is especially common in literary and descriptive contexts.
Easily confused with impish
An impish person or expression is playfully mischievous, whereas to impeach someone means to accuse them formally of a serious offence.