Crossword Genius

Sprightly but vacuous (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spry

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'sprightly' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'vacuous' is the second definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spry that I've seen before include "Fleet" , "Light on one's feet" , "Nimble, brisk" , "Far from doddering" , "Lively (especially of an older person)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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