Buckish

/ˈbʌkɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Displaying the manners or appearance of a 'buck'—an fashionably dressed young man; characterized by flashy, ostentatious, or rakish style.

Etymology

From 'buck' (a stylish or dissolute young man) + '-ish' (suffix meaning 'resembling' or 'somewhat'). The term developed in 17th-century England to describe clothing and behavior that mimicked the affectations of fashionable rakes.

Kelly Says

A 'buck' in 17th-century England was basically the 'cool guy' trying too hard—think peacocking meets pickup artist—so 'buckish' describes anyone trying too hard to look dashing or debonair. It's a delightfully judgmental word!

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