Cocky bird digesting a cracked nut (6)

I believe the answer is:

jaunty

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'cocky' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'bird digesting a cracked nut' is the wordplay.
'bird' becomes 'jay' (jay is a kind of bird).
'digesting' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are eaten or ingested).
'a cracked' indicates an anagram.
'nut' with letters rearranged gives 'unt'.
'jay' enclosing 'unt' is 'JAUNTY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for jaunty that I've seen before include "With a lively self-confident manner" , "Stylish" , "Cheerfully self-confident" , "Happy" , "Sprightly and cheerful" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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