charming

Adjective

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

1. Pleasant, charismatic.
   • "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."1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6
   • 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.2012 May 24, Nathan Rabin, “Film: Reviews: Men In Black 3”, in The Onion AV Club

   Synonyms:

   charismatic, smart, witty, taking, fetching, captivating

   Antonyms:

   dull, charmless

2. Delightful in a playful way which avoids responsibility or seriousness, as if attracting through a magical charm.

   Antonyms:

   silly, charmless

Noun

charming (plural charmings)

1. The casting of a magical charm.
   • 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.1616, Thomas Middleton, The Witch

Interjection

1. (British, ironic) Used in response to behaviour or language considered offensive or uncouth.
   • 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.2009 November 26, Peter Bradshaw, “Review: Law Abiding Citizen”, in The Guardian