A horse or other animal that moves with high, springy steps; someone who prances or moves in a showy, exaggerated way.
From Middle English 'prancen' (to leap or bound), possibly from Old French 'prancer.' The noun form '-er' denotes something or someone that performs the action of prancing.
Horses prance as a natural behavior to show energy and confidence—it's part of their body language that communicates 'I'm healthy and strong'—so when we describe people as prancers, we're borrowing horse language to comment on showy displays of confidence.
In Christmas lore and reindeer naming, 'Prancer' is typically feminized (contrasted with masculine 'Dasher,' 'Comet'). Reflects cultural pattern of assigning delicate/graceful traits to female animals.
Reindeer names are arbitrary; avoid gendering animal traits. If naming, choose names without assumed gender associations.
["use gender-neutral names or specify pronoun separately"]
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.