〜めく
Formation
Meaning
To take on the qualities or atmosphere of a certain state. It describes something that is starting to exhibit the characteristic properties of the preceding noun.
Note
A suffix used to indicate that something has the inherent 'air' or 'quality' of the noun it attaches to. Unlike '〜らしい', which suggests a prototypical example of a category, '〜めく' often implies that something is becoming like that or possesses a subtle but distinct atmosphere of it. It frequently pairs with seasons (春めく) or abstract nouns (謎めく, 冗談めく). It conjugates as a Group 1 (Godan) verb.
Examples
三月になり、風もすっかり春めいてきた。
It's March, and the wind has completely begun to feel like spring.
彼女は冗談めいた口調でその重大な事実を告げた。
She announced that important fact in a joking tone.
彼の皮肉めいた言い方は、周囲の反感を買うことが多い。
His ironic way of speaking often provokes resentment from those around him.
あの古い館には、どこか謎めいた雰囲気が漂っている。
There's a somewhat mysterious atmosphere drifting about that old mansion.
上司の説教めいたアドバイスには、正直うんざりしている。
To be honest, I'm fed up with my boss's preachy advice.
二人は秘密めいた視線を交わし、静かに部屋を出て行った。
The two exchanged a secretive glance and quietly left the room.