happy-go-lucky

adjective

hap·​py-go-lucky ˌha-pē-gō-ˈlə-kē How to pronounce happy-go-lucky (audio)
: blithely unconcerned : carefree

Examples of happy-go-lucky in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Lines blur when the person presented the world isn't always the same happy-go-lucky person behind closed doors. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 Chesney’s selling the beach bum, happy-go-lucky lifestyle to his fans. Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Disney shares dropped 12 percent the next morning, in part because investors — and many people inside Disney — were shocked by the happy-go-lucky tone that Mr. Chapek struck while discussing the earnings report on a conference call with analysts. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023 This is not a happy-go-lucky story, but an old-school fairy tale meant to frighten, confuse and excite. Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023 Far from the happy-go-lucky mama’s boy viewers were first introduced to in the series premiere, Kanan has morphed into an enraged young man with an increasingly harsh New York accent. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 1 Dec. 2023 As the symbiote takes hold, Peter becomes increasingly aggressive (both verbally and in combat), a significant departure from the happy-go-lucky character fans are accustomed to. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Oct. 2023 Viet Vo is endearing as So, a happy-go-lucky but low-ranked wrestler. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2023 This preview, in particular, centers a conflict around Kris’ happy-go-lucky interactions with Khloe’s boyfriend, Tristan Thompson. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'happy-go-lucky.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of happy-go-lucky was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near happy-go-lucky

Cite this Entry

“Happy-go-lucky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happy-go-lucky. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

happy-go-lucky

adjective
hap·​py-go-lucky
ˌhap-ē-gō-ˈlək-ē
: cheerfully unconcerned : carefree

More from Merriam-Webster on happy-go-lucky

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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