What does jackanapes mean?
Definitions for jackanapes
ˈdʒæk əˌneɪpsjack·anapes
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word jackanapes.
Princeton's WordNet
whippersnapper, jackanapes, lightweightnoun
someone who is unimportant but cheeky and presumptuous
Wiktionary
jackanapesnoun
A monkey.
jackanapesnoun
An impudent or mischievous person.
Etymology: 1450, from “Jack of Naples”, with “of Naples” rendered “a Napes” in vernacular. Originally rendered as Jac Napes, Jac Nape, and Jack Napis in 1450s. Presumably from *Jak a Napes, and original *Jak of Naples, presumably circa 1400. Monkeys were one of many exotic goods from Naples exhibited in Britain, hence acquired the nickname Jack a Napes.
Wikipedia
jackanapes
William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk, (16 October 1396 – 2 May 1450), nicknamed Jackanapes, was an English magnate, statesman, and military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He became a favourite of the weak king Henry VI of England, and consequently a leading figure in the English government where he became associated with many of the royal government's failures of the time, particularly on the war in France. Suffolk also appears prominently in Shakespeare's Henry VI, parts 1 and 2. He fought in the Hundred Years' War and participated in campaigns of Henry V, and then continued to serve in France for King Henry VI. He was one of the English commanders at the failed Siege of Orléans. He favoured a diplomatic rather than military solution to the deteriorating situation in France, a stance which would later resonate well with King Henry VI. Suffolk became a dominant figure in the government, and was at the forefront of the main policies conducted during the period. He played a central role in organizing the Treaty of Tours (1444), and arranged the king's marriage to Margaret of Anjou. At the end of Suffolk's political career, he was accused of maladministration by many and forced into exile. At sea on his way out, he was caught by an angry mob, subjected to a mock trial, and beheaded. His estates were forfeited to the Crown but later restored to his only son, John. His political successor was the Duke of Somerset.
ChatGPT
jackanapes
A jackanapes is a person who is considered rude, ill-mannered, cocky, or overly confident. It typically refers to someone who is bold or audacious, often in an irritating or obnoxious way. The term historically was used to refer to a cheeky or impertinent child or a mischievous monkey.
Webster Dictionary
Jackanapesnoun
a monkey; an ape
Jackanapesnoun
a coxcomb; an impertinent or conceited fellow
Etymology: [For Jack o' (= of) apes; prop., a man who exhibits apes.]
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Jackanapes
jak′a-nāps, n. an impudent fellow: a coxcomb. [Jack o' apes, one who exhibited monkeys, with n inserted to avoid the hiatus.]
Etymology and Origins
Jackanapes
Properly “Jack-of-apes,” an impudent fellow who apes the manners of his social superiors.
Matched Categories
Usage in printed sourcesFrom:
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of jackanapes in Chaldean Numerology is: 3
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of jackanapes in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
References
Translations for jackanapes
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"jackanapes." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 17 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/jackanapes>.
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