timmer-temmer (adjective) : A behavior combining timorousness and temerity. (timorous-temerous), courage and desire combined with fear. Often seen in wild park animals used to human contact—approach and retreat. Other examples, monkeys approaching humans, small shy children wanting to take something from an adult or another child, even fish being fed by scuba divers.
The sparrows hopped timmer-temmer around our table, attentive of the stray or intentional crumb.
by Pen-Dragon August 14, 2009
Get the timmer-temmer mug.