dandy

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
  2. noun a sailing vessel with two masts; a small mizzen is aft of the rudderpost
  3. adjective very good

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots dandy (“a fop; one who is well-dressed”). Of uncertain origin. Possibly from Dandy, a diminutive of Andrew, yet the Scots word is used also in reference to women. Alternatively, possibly a back-formation of Scots dandilly, dandillie (“one who is spoiled or pampered; a "pet"”). Compare English dandle and dander.

In classic literature

Synonyms

dude, fop, gallant, sheik, beau, swell, fashion plate, clotheshorse

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