espièglerie

noun

es·​piè·​gle·​rie e-spye-glə-ˈrē 

: the quality or state of being roguish or frolicsome

Synonyms

• coltishness
• friskiness
• impishness
• larkiness
• mischief
• mischievousness
• playfulness
• prankishness
• sportfulness
• sportiveness
• tricksiness

Examples of espièglerie in a Sentence

a delightful young woman whose espièglerie and sophisticated wit make her a favorite party guest

a femme fatale with a penchant for sophisticated espièglerie that men found irresistible

Word History

Etymology

French, from espiègle

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above