Definition of rakish

The word "rakish" originally comes from the Scottish Gaelic word "roACCeasach," meaning a reckless or disorderly person. It was commonly used to describe Highland warriors who flaunted traditional dress and etiquette in favor of a more unconventional and free-spirited lifestyle. In the mid-18th century, this word was adopted by Scottish sailors and modified to "rakish," which referred to a ship's appearance that was stylish, daring, and dashing. This new meaning of "rakish" was particularly applied to fast, sleek vessels with elegant lines, and it came to signify not only a ship's visual appeal but also its spiritedness and swiftness on the water. The nautical connotation of "rakish" was later extended to other areas of language and culture, where it now primarily denotes a person or thing that is daring, dashing, and unconventional, but in a favorable and stylish way.