(n.), someone who doesn't believe in a higher power.

A bright is a person who has a naturalistic worldview. A bright's worldview is free of supernatural and mystical elements. The ethics and actions of a bright are based on a naturalistic worldview.

acting in a smart ass way

People whose world-view is naturalistic--that is, free of supernatural or mystical elements--refer to themselves as Brights. The Brights have learned something about the power of words from African Americans and gays. In this new connotation, Bright is a noun, like the word black is a noun when used to refer to an African American, and gay is a noun when used to refer to a homosexual person. Some Brights, like some African Americans and some homosexuals, are very intelligent. Others are average, ordinary people.

Who are these Brights? They are humanists, free thinkers, agnostics, skeptics and atheists. They are barbers, teachers, waitresses, doctors, philosophers, construction workers, and scientists. They are mothers and uncles. They are your next door neighbors. They are Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians. And yes, some of them are members of your church, mosque or temple.

The only thing Brights have in common with all other Brights is that they base their ethics, morality, decisions and behaviors on a naturalistic worldview as opposed to one based on faith.

So often I hear the phrase freedom of religion. What does that mean? Does it mean we can choose any religion we want? Does it mean that in order to be considered credible citizens loyal to this great country, we must choose a religion? I don't think so. That just doesn't make sense. Freedom of religion must imply freedom from religion, or there is no real freedom regarding religion....

person with a lighter complexion

A Bright is a more positive word for someone who does not hold a belief in any supernatural phenomena, mainly used by well-known Atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett.

Adjective

1. People who wear pretentious artsy clothes even when not attending a themed event.

2. People who are unable to live in the Midlands or the North of the UK because it isn't 'cool' enough.

'Uh-oh here comes a right bright bunch.'

Etymology:

'Brighton'; a small coastal town in the south of England with a disproportionate population of 'artistic' types.