panache
UK[pəˈnæʃ]US[pəˈnɑːʃ]
n
A stylish, original, and very confident way of doing things that makes people admire you.
n
A bunch of feathers or a plume, especially as worn on a hat or helmet.
Etymology
The word 'panache' entered English in the 16th century from the Middle French 'pennache', meaning a plume or tuft of feathers, especially on a helmet. The French term derived from the Italian 'pennacchio', which itself came from the Late Latin 'pinnaculum', a diminutive of 'pinna', meaning 'feather' or 'wing'. The modern, abstract sense of 'flamboyant confidence and style' evolved from the visual impact of a dramatic, waving plume on a warrior's helmet, a symbol of boldness and showmanship famously associated with the character Cyrano de Bergerac.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from French. Its spelling and form are not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful English morphemes.
Examples
She carried out her duties with great panache.
The orchestra performed the difficult piece with real panache.
His hat was decorated with a bright red panache.