Coltish

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting lively, playful behavior typical of a young horse while also displaying a certain lack of sophistication or restraint in one's actions
2. Characterized by energetic, sprightly movement akin to that of a young equine, often reflecting immaturity or a carefree attitude
3. Showing a spirited and playful energy combined with a sense of youthful awkwardness

Etymology: "Coltish" is a plain formation: "colt," a young horse, with the adjective-forming suffix "-ish," meaning "having the qualities of" or "somewhat like." Its earliest form in English is the Middle English "coltyssh," so the word arrived in the language during the medieval period, when "colt" was already in common use for a young horse and, by extension, a youthful, unruly person. The real interest lies in the image behind it. A colt is a young male horse, and the animals are famous for leaping, kicking, and bolting for no reason, all long legs and energy with little control. Calling someone "coltish" transfers that picture to a person: the high spirits and playfulness of a young animal, together with the gangly, uncoordinated quality that comes with growing into a body that has not yet caught up with itself.

Synonyms: frisky, playful, unruly

Antonyms: serious, sedate, calm