perk

The word "perk" has a few different meanings, depending on whether it’s used as a noun or as a verb.

When used as a verb, "perk" means to make something or someone come alive or feel fresh. It’s almost always used with the preposition "up": perk up.

• A cup of coffee will perk you up in the morning.
• Bob looks a little down today. What can we do to perk him up?
• A little water perked up Rhonda’s wilting houseplant.
• Water is perking inside the coffee maker. (In this case, "perk" is the activity and the sound from a coffee maker.)

When used as a noun, the word "perk" refers to a benefit or an incentive:

• A company car is a good perk.
• Big tech companies are known to give employees nice perks such as free lunches and nap rooms.
• Employees stay with this company because of all the perks they get.

Add a "y" to the end of "perk" to form the adjective, "perky." A person who is perky is lively or active.

• We were greeted in the lobby by a perky receptionist.
• Mr. Yonkers’ perky assistant showed us around the corporate campus.
• Kittens are perky little animals.

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January 16, 2014