Panache is a delightful word that exudes “flamboyant confidence”. Its origins can be traced back to the plumes of feathers seen on helmets and headdresses in the past. The modern definition evolved from the extravagant and showy nature of these tufts. The term “panache” comes from Middle French pennache, which originated from Italian pennaccio and Latin pinnaculum, meaning “peak” (also the root of pinnacle). Panaches were positioned on the peaks of helmets, thus giving rise to the word’s association with confidence and flair. The word panache saw its literary peak in 1999 and has since experienced a decline in usage.
