Quick answer
Jackanapes means an impudent, conceited, or mischievous person. It is usually pronounced JAK-uh-nayps, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Jackanapes
Jackanapes means an impudent, conceited, or mischievous person. It belongs to archaic and forgotten words and works best in historical fiction, mock-Elizabethan insults, and old-fashioned comic prose. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
archaicold-fashionedliterary
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, jackanapes refers to an impudent, conceited, or mischievous person. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Jackanapes feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Jackanapes is generally traced to an archaic English insult associated with impudence and showy behavior. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Jackanapes is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as jackanapes.
- In the novel, one jackanapes is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used jackanapes in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain jackanapes before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating jackanapes because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use jackanapes when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in historical fiction, mock-Elizabethan insults, and old-fashioned comic prose.
Similar words
Anon, Apple-John, Jabber, Jabbernowl, Jaunty
Opposite or contrasting words
modern phrasing, plain speech, everyday wording
Common questions
- What does jackanapes mean? An impudent, conceited, or mischievous person.
- How do you pronounce jackanapes? It is commonly pronounced JAK-uh-nayps.
- Is jackanapes still used today? Jackanapes is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use jackanapes? Use jackanapes when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in historical fiction, mock-Elizabethan insults, and old-fashioned comic prose.
- What words are similar to jackanapes? Similar words include Anon, Apple-John, Jabber, and Jabbernowl.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.