Somewhat brainy or intellectual; having qualities that suggest intelligence.
Adjective formed by adding -ish to 'brain,' a suffix meaning 'somewhat' or 'rather' (Old English '-isc'). Creates a less emphatic version than 'brainy.'
The -ish suffix is one of English's most playful tools—it lets you tone down or soften claims. 'Brainish' is lighter than 'brainy,' just like 'reddish' is less committed than 'red.' It's the language of hedging.
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