Especially if the girl he had earmarked was one of these tough modern thugs, all lipstick and cool, hard, sardonic eyes, as she probably was.
The passage highlights a character's apprehension about engaging with a girl who embodies a tough, modern persona. She is portrayed as someone who combines femininity with a hardened exterior, indicating a blend of traditional and contemporary attributes. The use of terms like "lipstick" juxtaposed with "cool" and "sardonic eyes" suggests a complex personality that can be intimidating and alluring at the same time.
This description reflects the character's awareness of societal changes in femininity, portraying a sense of wariness about romantic prospects with such modern women. The dynamic suggests a humor-infused exploration of relationships and the challenges they present, particularly when it comes to understanding or appealing to someone with such a strong and edgy identity.
