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larky

larky

7.4
Playful and silly in a way that makes people laugh
  • adjective
  • /ˈlɑrki/
  • UK
translation icon : jocoso
  • They hurried from shot to shot, giddy as schoolgirls who'd grown up on the same street, not middle-aged strangers sharing only the larky life of a bygone age.
  • larky life

Women in general are larkier than men.

Examples

  • "I am not snooty," Ja77 said, sipping her wine with a larky glint in her eye.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Together we formed what Annie Wozzie called the close-knit Rudnick-Bergmans or the larky sevensome.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • And then the title of the show - "The Larky Life."

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Our crack at the larky life.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Women in general are larkier than men.

  • "Are you going somewhere?" Jazz asked in a little, larky voice of exemplary virtue and ingenuous wonder.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Wait and Anne, because I was jealous of them; we've remained the best of friends, we're still the larky Rudnick-Bergmans, aren't we?

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The children had a larky time at the playground, laughing and playing together.

  • His larky comments during the meeting kept everyone in a good mood.

  • She always has a larky personality, making jokes and brightening the atmosphere.

Synonyms

playful
vslarky
79 1.6

Full of fun and energy and liking jokes or games

is similar but more often implies joking as a habit
jovial
vslarky
12 3.9

Happy and friendly in a lively, joking way

is more about playful joking and teasing rather than steady friendliness
giddy
vslarky
  • Informal
12 4.4

Acting silly and playful without being serious

is more about joking intentionally rather than simple silliness
jokey
vslarky
  • Informal
6 3.9

Said or done to be funny rather than serious

is similar but often implies an active habit of joking
roguish
vslarky
3 6.7

Showing playful, friendly mischief

is less about charm and more about plain joking fun
jocular
vslarky
3 6.8

Playful and friendly in a joking way

is wider, also including playful actions beyond verbal jokes
rollicking
vslarky
2 6.0

Lively and full of fun, making people laugh

is less intense and more about simple joking or fun
puckish
vslarky
2 8.4

Being playful in a slightly naughty, teasing way

is more innocent and focused on joking rather than mischief
joking
vslarky
2 1.2

Meant to be funny, not serious

includes that but also playful mood and general fun
chippy
vslarky
  • UK
1 7.7

Being lively and cheerful, often a little cheeky

is less cheeky and more about playful joking overall
frolicsome
vslarky
1 7.6

Full of playful, lively energy

is more about joking and teasing than physical frolic
quippy
vslarky
1 8.1

Saying quick clever remarks that are often funny and a little sarcastic

is more general fun, not focused on sharp or clever lines
sportive
vslarky
  • Literature
1 7.3

Playful and lively, someone enjoys small jokes and games

focuses more on joking speech or teasing than frolic
pranky
vslarky
  • Informal
1 7.7

Shows playful energy and plays small tricks to surprise people

is about playful joking generally rather than prank actions
chappy
vslarky
  • UK
1 8.1

Happy and full of energy

is more specific about joking or teasing as a habit
jocose
vslarky
  • Formal
8.7

Playful and joking to make people laugh

is broader, covering general fun and not only joking tone
bantering
vslarky
  • Informal
5.7

Friendly teasing that makes people laugh

is broader, not limited to teasing conversations
scampish
vslarky
6.3

Acting playful and slightly naughty, often doing small harmless tricks

is more about joking mood than acting as a rascal
twitty
vslarky
  • Informal
9.2

Silly in a light, playful way

is more balanced fun and often includes witty joking
corky
vslarky
7.0

Lively and slightly odd in a way that makes people smile

is more straightforwardly about joking and general fun
pippy
vslarky
  • Informal
8.1

Being full of energy and cheerful

is more focused on joking and playful teasing than energy

Antonyms

452 1.4

Calm and focused, not playful or joking

How Playful

mischievous
19 3.5
cheeky
  • Informal
33 4.8
larky
  • UK
7.4
playful
79 1.6
lighthearted
17 3.7

Surface Forms

larky positive

Etymology

Larky comes from lark, a small bird known for its cheerful song and lively behavior. The phrase 'on a lark' means doing something just for fun, so larky describes someone playful or full of fun.