Literary notes about malapert (AI summary)
The word malapert is deployed in literature as a pointed epithet denoting impertinence, brazen disrespect, or saucy behavior. It is often addressed to individuals—whether youthful errants or insolent servants—to underscore their cheekiness or impudence, as when a character is chided for speaking out of turn [1][2][3]. In some narratives, it even carries a humorous, ironic tone when used to characterize those who, though audacious, are also oddly endearing or facetiously defiant [4][5][6]. Across various genres, malapert functions both as a critical label and a subtle vehicle for social commentary on the dynamics of authority and propriety [7][8][9].
- "Take this malapert boy with the others," cried the squire to the constable, and I could see that he was much angered against me.
— from The Coming of the King by Joseph Hocking - Is this malapert boy to be trusted, or not?"
— from Friends, though divided: A Tale of the Civil War by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty - " "Out with thee, malapert knave," said the young man, in his vexation, "and know to respect thy betters.
— from The Knight of the Golden MeliceA Historical Romance by John Turvill Adams - “And you, too, are malapert, mistress!” said the Lady; “hath the moon changed, that ye all of you thus forget yourselves?”
— from The Abbot by Walter Scott - Al nere he malapert, or made it tough, Or was to bold, to singe a fool a masse.
— from Troilus and Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer - Nay, then I must have an ounce or two of this malapert blood from you.
— from Twelfth Night; Or, What You Will by William Shakespeare - flippant , a. voluble , glib , fluent ; pert , malapert, forward .
— from Putnam's Word Book A Practical Aid in Expressing Ideas Through the Use of an Exact and Varied Vocabulary by Louis A. (Louis Andrew) Flemming - "Untutor'd lad, thou art too malapert."—HENRY VI.
— from Lewie; Or, The Bended Twig by Sarah H. (Sarah Hopkins) Bradford - “It is too much honour for thee!” said Alured, sternly, “not because thou art a poor esquire, but because thou art a malapert and ill-mannered cub.
— from Under the Flag of France: A Tale of Bertrand du Guesclin by David Ker
