antick
|an-tick|
/ˈæn.tɪk/
odd, playful or grotesque behavior
Etymology
'antick' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antiquus', where 'antiqu-' meant 'old' or 'ancient'.
'antick' changed through Middle English (forms such as 'antyk'/'antick') under the influence of Old French 'antique' from Latin 'antiquus' and later evolved into the modern English form 'antic'.
Initially it was connected with the idea of 'old' or 'ancient', but over time it evolved into a sense of 'odd, grotesque, or ludicrous behavior' in English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a playful, grotesque, or ludicrous action or gesture; a caper or antic prank (archaic spelling of 'antic').
The jester's antick made the court roar with laughter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 05:22