harum-scarum
harum-scarum · harum-scarums
A giddy, rash personA giddy, rash person.
US/ˌhɛəɹəmˈskɛəɹəm/
Meaning
1 sensesA giddy, rash person.
a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
Origin
Uncertain. Likely from hare (“harass, harry”) 'em (“them”) and scare 'em (“frighten them”)Uncertain. Likely from hare (“harass, harry”) 'em (“them”) and scare 'em (“frighten them”); alternately the first element may be from hare (“rabbit-like animals”), or the second element may be a variant of stare. Attested from the late 17th century.
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Forms
plural: harum-scarums| Singular | harum-scarum |
|---|---|
| Plural | harum-scarums |
regular
Synonyms
4 synonymsClose in meaning
- a reckless impetuous irresponsible person:daredevilmadcapswashbucklerlunatic