rakishly

Everyday

1. In a dashing, stylish and confident way, often slightly careless or cheeky: «a hat worn rakishly to one side». tree →
2. (old) In a way that shows wild, not respectable behaviour. tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows Toad, when dressed up as a motorist or a dandy, might wear his cap rakishly on one side; it shows he thinks he looks very smart and bold. Stories use it for pirates, adventurers and show-offs. From «rake», an old word for a man who lived a wild, careless life.

Examples

• He wore his cap rakishly tilted over one eye. tree →
• The pirate grinned rakishly. tree →
• Toad set his cap rakishly on his head. tree →
• The sailor's scarf was tied rakishly at his neck. tree →
• The car was painted rakishly in red and gold. tree →
• She wore her beret rakishly on one side. tree →

Note

Adverb from «rakish». Old-fashioned word. Not about garden rakes.