jackanapes
Americannoun
-
an impertinent, presumptuous person, especially a young man; whippersnapper.
-
an impudent, mischievous child.
-
Archaic. an ape or monkey.
noun
-
a conceited impertinent person
-
a mischievous child
-
archaic a monkey
Etymology
Origin of jackanapes
1400–50; late Middle English Jakken-apes, literally, jack (i.e., man) of the ape, nickname of William de la Pole (1396–1450), Duke of Suffolk, whose badge was an ape's clog and chain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“You listen here, you little jackanapes,” I began.
From Literature
“And that,” his manner seemed to say, “is one for you, you interfering little jackanapes.”
From Literature
At this uncomfortable juncture, I perceived with no little confusion that Bono watched us, grinning a wide, jackanapes smile; which cajolery threw me into more distress.
From Literature
The jackanapes in the slashed pink doublet hissed.
From Literature
"By his extreme youth, he can only be a prancing jackanapes, and so I name him."
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
