Meanings
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1
adj
showing cheerful self-confidence in a lively, carefree manner
He gave a jaunty wave as he stepped onto the train.
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2
adj
lively, stylish, or set at an attractively informal angle
She wore a red hat at a jaunty angle.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Earlier spelled janty and borrowed from French gentil ("well-born, elegant"), making jaunty an etymological relative of gentle and genteel. Its meaning shifted from well-bred or fashionable to stylishly lively and cheerfully self-confident.