happy-go-lucky
UK[ˌhæpi ɡəʊ ˈlʌki]US[ˌhæpi ɡoʊ ˈlʌki]
adj
carefree and unconcerned about the future
Etymology
the phrase 'happy-go-lucky' emerged in the late 17th century as a vivid colloquial compound. it is formed from the existing english words 'happy', the verb 'go', and the adjective 'lucky', literally suggesting a state of being happy and trusting to luck. the expression captures a carefree philosophy where one is happy and simply 'goes' wherever luck takes them, without worry or planning. it evolved from this literal sense into a stable adjective describing a permanently cheerful and unconcerned disposition.
Analysis
this is a fixed English idiomatic compound. it is not productively formed from separable modern morphemes.
Examples
she has a happy-go-lucky attitude that makes her popular at work.
his happy-go-lucky approach to finances eventually got him into trouble.
the children played in the park with happy-go-lucky abandon.