Word of the Day: GALLIVANT

Wandering in search of fun

gallivant (verb) - to wander from one place to another in search of fun; to engage in a public and unserious manner with multiple romantic partners [gal-uh-vant]

BREAKDOWN: The word gallivant doesn’t have a crisp structural etymology but does derive from the root GAL-, which means to make merry in words like gala and gallant. The word was first coined in the 17th century to refer to wooing, flirting, or seeking romantic dalliances. Over time, gallivant has come to refer to a more general wandering, meandering, or frivolous pursuit of entertainment.

“We can't have them gallivanting up there like kangaroos, can we?” —Mary Poppins

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]