Showing a lack of proper concern; dismissive or casual in attitude toward serious matters. Can also refer historically to supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War.
From French 'cavalier' (horseman, knight), ultimately from Italian 'cavaliere,' from Latin 'caballarius' (horseman). The meaning evolved from 'mounted soldier' to 'gentleman' to 'haughty person,' reflecting the association between nobility, horse ownership, and perceived arrogance.
The word 'cavalier' perfectly captures how social attitudes toward aristocracy shaped language - what was once a term of respect for mounted knights gradually became an insult suggesting arrogance and dismissiveness. This semantic shift mirrors changing political power structures from feudalism to democracy.
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