different between spry vs nippy

English

Etymology

From British dialectal sprey, from Old Norse sprækr (“nimble, lively”) from Proto-Germanic *spr?kiz (“lively”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)pereg- (“to strew, jerk, sprinkle, scatter”). Cognate with Icelandic sprækur (“lively, spry”), Norwegian sprek (“lively, healthy”), dialectal Swedish sprygg (“brisk, very active, skittish”). More at spark. Related to sprack, sprig, sprug, freckle.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sp?a?/
• Rhymes: -a?

Adjective

spry (comparative sprier, superlative spriest)

1. Having great power of leaping or running; nimble; active.
2. Vigorous; lively; cheerful.
   • 1992, Robert Rankin, The Antipope (page 68)

     The Captain folded his brow into a look of intense perplexity. 'You seem exceedingly spry for a man who demolished an entire bottle of brandy and better part of an ounce of shag in a single evening.'
     'And very nice too,' said the tramp. 'Now as to breakfast?'

Translations

Anagrams

• Prys, syrp

English

Etymology

nip +? -y

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?pi/
• Rhymes: -?pi

Adjective

nippy (comparative nippier, superlative nippiest)

1. (Britain, informal) fast; speedy
   • c. 2000, Melanie Allen, Customer Relations Management (page 6)

     A Rolls Royce will not do if you need an economical, nippy car that is easy to park.

2. (informal) Of the weather, rather cold.

3. Inclined to nip; bitey.
   • 1995, Nancy Baer, Choosing a Dog: A Guide to Picking the Perfect Breed (page 161)

     Spoiling may create a pushy, nippy dog that lacks confidence.

4. (Scotland, informal) annoying; irritating
5. (Scotland) sharp in taste
6. (Scotland) curt
7. (Scotland) parsimonious

Translations