harum-scarum

English

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌhɛəɹəmˈskɛəɹəm/

Adjective

harum-scarum ‎(not comparable)

1. wild, careless, irresponsible
   • 1832, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Eugene Aram

     Lester's good heart will be to hear that little Peter is so improved;--no longer a dissolute, harum-scarum fellow, throwing away his money, and always in debt.

Adverb

harum-scarum ‎(not comparable)

1. wildly, carelessly, irresponsibly
   • 1800, Maria Edgeworth, Castle Rackrent

     ... for he never looked after anything at all, but harum-scarum called for everything as if we were conjurors, or he in a public-house.