Simper
verb
To smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way.
She simpered and waved for the camera

noun
A silly, self-conscious, or affected smile.
His face wore a simper of self-satisfaction

verb
To smile in a silly, self-conscious, or affected way.
She simpered and waved for the camera

noun
A silly, self-conscious, or affected smile.
His face wore a simper of self-satisfaction

Definition 1 of 2

Negative Connotation
Using 'simper' suggests a negative view of someone's smile as insincere or silly.

When he complimented her, she just simpered, not knowing how to respond.
Insincere Flattery
'Simper' often implies flattery that is not genuine or is overdone.

He simpered at his boss, hoping for a promotion.
Self-Conscious
The verb 'simper' can indicate a person is aware and possibly embarrassed about being watched or noticed.

She simpered during her presentation, aware of all eyes on her.
Compare with
beamgrinleersmilesmirksneer
Video examples
Expanding our definition...
makes me laugh without really having to say anything so this could be super awkward if I just turn into some giggling simpering school child who proposed just please forgive me hi Hey how are you Oh God it started okay so I'm going to start off we canvassed our TEDx amazing TEDx community around the world and I have picked two questions
Video examples
Expanding our definition...
makes me laugh without really having to say anything so this could be super awkward if I just turn into some giggling simpering school child who proposed just please forgive me hi Hey how are you Oh God it started okay so I'm going to start off we canvassed our TEDx amazing TEDx community around the world and I have picked two questions
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Julie Burchill
British Journalist
When did women whose looks are not their living start conducting themselves like the simpering inmates of an Ottoman empire seraglio?

Quote examples
Mollie Hemingway
American Author
We need a steely resolve, not simpering fear. Nothing is going to stop us. Not polio, not Nazis, not gravity! Nothing. We're America.

Quote examples
P. C. Cast
American Author
I don't write women who are weak or simpering.

Quote examples
Julie Burchill
British Journalist
When did women whose looks are not their living start conducting themselves like the simpering inmates of an Ottoman empire seraglio?

Quote examples
Mollie Hemingway
American Author
We need a steely resolve, not simpering fear. Nothing is going to stop us. Not polio, not Nazis, not gravity! Nothing. We're America.

Quote examples
P. C. Cast
American Author
I don't write women who are weak or simpering.

Example 1 of 3
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension