Mirks

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To smile in a self-satisfied or smug manner, often revealing a sense of amusement or superiority
2. to display a sly or knowing smile that suggests subtle mockery or disdain
3. to express a mix of teasing or contempt through a particular facial expression indicating amusement at someone else's expense

Etymology: "Mirks" is the third-person singular form of "mirk," so the verb's history is really the history of "mirk," which is the older and more meaningful word. "Mirk" is an old word for darkness, gloom or murk, and it has long been part of English poetry and dialect. The idea of a smile made from darkness is a striking one, though the sources here do not show how a noun meaning gloom came to describe a particular kind of self-satisfied grin. What can be said is that the verb keeps the sense of the noun's sombre tone, turning gloom into an expression on the face.

Synonyms: smirks, grins, smiles, sneers, snickers

Antonyms: frowns, pouts, scowls, sighs, cries