pertly

comparative more pertly · superlative most pertly

1. In a manner that is lively or high-spirited

   ‘There ain’t no serviettes,’ said the waitress, pertly.

   1933, Frank Clune, Try Anything Once, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 168

   2 more examples

   "Dearie, you aren't going to go and get peevish, are you?" She spoke pertly. He wanted to spank her.

   1922, Sinclair Lewis, “24”, in Babbitt

   TA pretty girl passed him on her way to work and he greeted her indulgently. She winked pertly back at him, proving for all time that she was not a watcher.

   1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy