“Perky” is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is:

• Cheerful and lively: This is the most common meaning of perky. It describes someone who is full of energy, enthusiastic, and has a positive attitude. For example, “She greeted me with a perky smile.”
• Brisk and alert: It can also suggest someone who is active and quick on their feet, with a sense of alertness. For instance, “The perky terrier chased the ball across the yard.”
• Confident and sometimes sassy: In some contexts, perky can imply a slight boldness or confidence, sometimes bordering on sassiness. This usage is often used for characters or personalities.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Informality: Perky is a generally informal term, suitable for casual conversation or descriptions.
• Sometimes Used for Objects: While primarily used for people or animals, “perky” can sometimes be used for objects in a figurative way to describe something that appears bright, lively, or stands out in a positive way. For example, “The bright pink flowers added a perky touch to the room.”
• Potential Negative Connotations: In some contexts, perky can be used in a slightly negative way to imply someone is overly cheerful or annoyingly optimistic. However, the intended meaning usually depends on the context and tone of voice.