Having a cheerful, confident, and lively manner; sprightly and self-assured in appearance or behavior.
From French 'gentil' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble', which evolved through 'jantee' in the 17th century. The meaning shifted from social status to describing a carefree, confident demeanor regardless of background.
Jaunty perfectly captures that particular kind of confidence that shows in how someone carries themselves - a spring in their step, a tilt to their hat. The word's evolution from describing nobility to describing attitude shows how true elegance transcends social class.
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