jackanapes









jackanapes


noun

  1. an impertinent, presumptuous person, especially a young man; whippersnapper.
  2. an impudent, mischievous child.
  3. Archaic. an ape or monkey.

noun

  1. a conceited impertinent person
  2. a mischievous child
  3. archaic a monkey
n.

mid-15c., “a monkey,” also “an impertinent, conceited fellow;” apparently from Jack of Naples, but whether this is some specific personification or folk etymology of jack (n.) + ape is unknown. See note in OED.

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