Sense file
How the sense moved
The archive follows the dated record first, then reads the social or rhetorical pressure that hardened, softened, narrowed, or reversed the word.
Older meaning
Open or obvious, then handsome, then saucy or impudent.
Modern meaning
Lively, brisk, or cheekily confident.
Research lens
A nice archive example of an older insult bleaching into brightness, speed, and self-possession.
Meaning trail
Older sense
open or obvious
The shortened form begins close to exposedness and visibility.
Bridge
saucy or impudent
Boldness darkens into social impropriety.
Now
lively and confident
The impropriety lightens into energy and style.