spark, my

   The word ‘spark’ meant quite different things in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries according to whether the word was applied to a woman or a man. It was a compliment when applied to a woman, having much the same meaning that ‘bright spark’ still has in British English. The woman who was a spark was probably both beautiful, cheerful and intelligent.

   A male young spark was someone who dressed elegantly, perhaps foppishly, and was vain of his appearance.

   In direct address ‘my spark’ was the usual formula, and it was not particularly admiring. ‘Hark’ee, my spark, none of your grinning!’ says Captain Mirvan to Mr Lovel, in Fanny Burney’s Evelina, and adds that if the grinning continues, Mr Lovel will have his ears boxed.