malapert

A young page gave a malapert reply to the queen.

Definition

1. Adjective (archaic):

   • Impudently bold or saucy: "malapert" describes a person who is cheeky, impertinent, or presumptuously forward in speech or behaviour, often in a way that shows a lack of proper respect.

     • The malapert servant answered his master with a sneer. (The servant was disrespectfully bold.)

2. Noun (archaic):

   • A bold or impudent person: "malapert" refers to an individual who behaves in a saucy or impertinent manner.

     • The young malapert was scolded for his rude comments. (The impudent person was reprimanded.)

Usage Examples

• As an Adjective:

  • Her malapert reply shocked the entire assembly. (Her reply was impudently bold and disrespectful.)
  • He was known for his malapert remarks during formal meetings. (He was known for his impertinent comments.)

• As a Noun:

  • The malapert refused to apologise for his insolence. (The impudent person did not say sorry.)
  • Such a malapert should be taught proper manners. (Such an impertinent individual needs correction.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: "malapert" was commonly used in Elizabethan and Jacobean English, often in plays or satirical works, to describe a character who is overly bold or saucy, especially a servant or inferior addressing a superior.

  • In Shakespeare's time, a malapert was a stock character in comedies. (A typical bold servant figure.)

• "malapert speech": a phrase used to denote impertinent or presumptuous language.

  • The king dismissed the courtier's malapert speech as foolish. (The courtier's speech was seen as disrespectfully bold.)

Variants and Related Words

• Malapertly (adverb): in an impudently bold or saucy manner.

  • He answered malapertly, much to his teacher's annoyance. (He answered with impertinent boldness.)

• Malapertness (noun): the quality or state of being malapert; impertinence.

  • Her malapertness was not tolerated in the courtroom. (Her impudent boldness was unacceptable.)

Synonyms

• Impertinent: not showing proper respect; rude.
• Saucy: boldly disrespectful or cheeky.
• Presumptuous: overstepping proper bounds; too bold.
• Insolent: showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.

Antonyms

• Respectful: showing deference and politeness.
• Deferential: yielding to the authority or opinion of others.
• Modest: humble and unassuming.

Related Idioms

• "To be as malapert as a pie" (archaic): a simile meaning to be extremely saucy or impertinent, using "pie" (short for magpie, a bird known for its chattering and boldness).
  • The child was as malapert as a pie, interrupting every adult. (The child was very impudent.)

Notes on Usage

• Archaic Status: "malapert" is considered obsolete or very rare in modern English. It appears primarily in historical texts, literature, or when deliberately using an archaic tone. Contemporary equivalents like "impertinent" or "saucy" are more common.

• Etymological Origin: Derived from Middle French mal (bad) + pert (bold, clever), from Latin pertus (skilful, bold). The word originally meant "badly bold" or "overly clever."