The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word GAMINES
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More clues leading to the result GAMINES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pert girls" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pert girls = gamines.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GAMINES mean?
GAMINES noun- A (usually female) street urchin; a homeless girl.
- A mischievous, playful, elfish, pert girl or young woman.