OPTIMISM, OPTIMIST, OPTIMISTIC
ADJECTIVES
► BULLISH optimistic → 1981 Aust. colloq. (Bk.)
► MICAWBERISH resembling or reminiscent of Micawber; fecklessly optimistic → 1851
► POLLYANNAISH naively cheerful and optimistic; unrealistically happy → 1922
► SANGUINE cheerfully optimistic → 1509
► SUNSHINE-SHOWERY of a disposition that is cheerful in the midst of trouble; cheerfully optimistic → 1830
► UPBEAT optimistic, positive → 1940s sl., orig. US
NOUNS
► LOVE-IN positive, optimistic relations → 1960s sl., orig. US
► SANGUINE the sanguine temperament; cheerful optimism → 1530 obs.
► SANGUINITY cheerful optimism; hopefulness → 1737
NOUNS – PERSON
► GOOD-TIME CHARLEY an optimist; a man who is always trying to have a good experience → 2006 sl. (Bk.)
► POLLYANNA a person able to find cause for happiness in the most disastrous situations; a person who is unduly optimistic or achieves happiness through self-delusion → 1921
Lexicophilia 