What does perkiness mean?
Perkiness is the noun form of “perky” and describes a lively, cheerful, alert, or jaunty quality. A person with perkiness may be energetic and quick in their movements, conversation, or approach to everyday life. The word often has an affectionate or lightly humorous tone: it can describe someone whose high spirits enliven a setting, but it may also imply a touch of exaggerated confidence or forced enthusiasm. In modern English, perkiness is especially associated with youthful energy and a brisk, self-assured manner. It is useful as a precise noun when the emphasis is on the quality itself rather than directly describing the person, as in “her infectious perkiness” or “the perkiness of his recovery.”
nounThe quality of being perky, especially the cheerful, lively, or jaunty manner associated with being lively and alert. It can also suggest a brisk, self-confident, or slightly showy manner.
- The quality of being cheerful, lively, alert, and energetic.
- A jaunty, brisk, or slightly self-confident manner.
"Her perkiness immediately lifted the mood of the otherwise formal meeting."
"The children approached the unfamiliar playground with obvious perkiness."
"His perkiness and quick wit made him a popular member of the team."
A rare plural, normally used only when referring to different instances or kinds of perkiness.
"The critic described the separate perkinesses of the two characters."
Perkiness is the quality of bringing a little bounce to the room without needing to shout about it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perkiness come from?
“Perkiness” was formed in the 19th century by adding the suffix “-iness” to “perky.” “Perky” comes from “perk,” a word meaning lively or jaunty and also used as a verb meaning to become lively or raise oneself smartly. The older word “perk” is related in sense to words such as “percolate” only loosely by association and should not be treated as a direct etymological cognate.
Related word forms
How perkiness is actually used
Generally positive, though it can suggest a degree of exaggerated or slightly forced energy. It is common in British and American English and often conveys a youthful, informal liveliness.
Easily confused with perkiness
“Perky” is the adjective describing a lively or jaunty person, whereas “perkiness” is the noun naming that quality.