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DictionarysimperAffected smile
noun / verb

simper

SIM-per/sˈɪmpɝ/

A silly or affected smile, or to smile this way.

The woman simpers coyly, tucking her chin and touching her cheek.

A close-up of an older woman making an exaggeratedly coy, self-conscious smile: lips pressed into a small artificial grin, chin tucked, eyes glancing sideways, and fingertips lightly touching her cheek.
Etymology

Simper may be related to Scandinavian or Middle Dutch words for affected or coy behavior. These possible relatives fit the manner of smiling, but no secure root explanation is known.

More examples

  • She answers the compliment with a coy simper.
  • His constant simpering makes the apology seem insincere.
  • The actors practice exaggerated simpers for the comedy.

Forms

simper · simpers · simpered · simpering

Similar words

smile
A general expression that need not seem silly or affected.
smirk
Suggests smugness or self-satisfaction rather than coy affectation.
grin
A broad smile that need not seem affected.