charming - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

From Middle English charmynge; equivalent to charm +‎ -ing.

charming (comparative more charming or (nonstandard) charminger, superlative most charming or (nonstandard) charmingest or (nonstandard) charmest)

  1. Pleasant, charismatic.
    Synonyms: charismatic, smart, witty, taking, fetching, captivating
    Antonyms: dull, charmless
    • 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6:
      "What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society."
    • 2012 May 24, Nathan Rabin, “Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3”, in The Onion AV Club‎[1]:
      In the abstract, Stuhlbarg’s twinkly-eyed sidekick suggests Joe Pesci in Lethal Weapon 2 by way of late-period Robin Williams with an alien twist, but Stuhlbarg makes a character that easily could have come across as precious into a surprisingly palatable, even charming man.
  2. Delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.
    Antonyms: silly, charmless

pleasant, charismatic

charming

  1. present participle and gerund of charm

charming (plural charmings)

  1. The casting of a magical charm.
    • 1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch:
      They denied me often flour, barm and milk, / Goose-grease and tar, when I ne'er hurt their charmings, / Their brewlocks, nor their batches, nor forespoke / Any of their breedings.

charming

  1. (chiefly British, ironic) Used in response to behaviour or language considered offensive or uncouth.
    • 2009 November 26, Peter Bradshaw, “Review: Law Abiding Citizen”, in The Guardian‎[2]:
      The other murderer is sadistically hacked to pieces, while the proceedings are being videoed – and the DVD is sent to Nick's home so that his daughter can see it. Oh, charming.

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