perky

This term conveys a bright, upbeat energy that often borders on being overly enthusiastic or chirpy. It suggests a lightness of spirit and a visible manifestation of cheerfulness, typically used in informal social contexts to describe someone whose mood is infectious and high-spirited.

When describing physical objects or body parts, the word shifts toward a sense of alertness and tension. It evokes the image of something poised and upright, such as an ear or a tail, signaling a state of readiness or curiosity rather than just a static position.