Jackanapes (noun)
jak-u-nay-ps
A cheeky or impertinent person.
Early 16th century (originally as Jack Napes): perhaps from a playful name for a tame ape, the initial n- by elision of an ape (compare with newt), and the final -s as in surnames such as Hobbes: applied to a person whose behaviour resembled that of an ape.
Example sentences
“The grinning jackanapes is unstoppable and half mad with power.”
May 1, 2024
Word of the Day – Impediment
Impediment (noun) im-ped-im-ent An obstruction, hindrance or obstacle. / any physical impairment or condition that…
April 30, 2024
Word of the Day – Gamp
Gamp (noun) gamp (British) (informal) Umbrella. 1860–65; after the umbrella of Mrs. Sarah Gamp in…
April 29, 2024
Word of the Day – Marabout
Marabout (noun) ma-ra-boot (Islam) a hermit or holy man, especially in N Africa, often wielding…
April 28, 2024
Word of the Day – Farrago
Farrago (noun) far-ah-go A jumbled mixture of things. 1625–35; Latin: literally, mixed crop of feed…
April 27, 2024
Word of the Day – Firkin
Firkin (noun) fer-kin a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc. First recorded…
April 26, 2024
Word of the Day – Collocation
Collocation (noun) coll-ok-ay-shun the arrangement, especially of words in a sentence. 1595–1605; Latin collocātiōn- (stem…