Cryptic crossword clue
Cheerfully irresponsible mates turned up in good spirits 4-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SLAP-HAPPY

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
L
A
P
-
H
A
P
P
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Cheerfully irresponsible" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cheerfully irresponsible = slap-happy.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SLAP-HAPPY mean?

SLAP-HAPPY adjective
  1. Incoherent from being struck; punch drunk.
  2. In a humorous mood as a result of fatigue; silly from being tired.
  3. Irresponsibly free.

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