Minx: (noun) an impudent, cunning, or boldly flirtatious girl or young woman. This is often said in a humorous or derogatory manner.
In the film "Love Actually," Hugh Grant exercises the humorous potential of the word when he -while playing the British Prime Minister - addresses a portrait of Margaret Thatcher.
(You can see that on YouTube at this link, about 1:20 minutes in)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYCkFTyADJ0
The term minx first popped up in English usage back in the 16th century when, as now, mini dogs were all the rage. These pet dogs were often considered quite bright and would then be called a minx.
How and when women picked up yet another dog-like nickname, I am not certain. But isn't it interesting that we're continually likened to cats and dogs?
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