Dandy: meaning, definitions and examples

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dandy

[ ˈdændi ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fashion

A man who is excessively concerned about his clothes and appearance.

Synonyms

beau, cockscomb, fop, gallant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dandy	Used to describe a man who is very concerned with his dress and appearance. The term can sometimes be used in a slightly negative or mocking way. He always dresses so impeccably; he's such a dandy Despite his dandy looks, he is quite down-to-earth
fop	Describes a man overly concerned with his clothes and appearance, to the point of being silly or foolish. It has a negative connotation. Everyone laughed at the fop with his exaggerated sense of fashion He was dismissed as nothing more than a frivolous fop
cockscomb	An archaic term, often used to describe a vain or conceited man. This term carries a strongly negative connotation. He strutted around the room like a cockscomb, clearly full of himself No one could stand his cockscomb attitude
beau	Typically refers to a woman's boyfriend or male admirer, especially one who is considered handsome or fashionable. She walked into the party with her new beau by her side Her beau is known for his stylish outfits
gallant	Describes a man who is brave and heroic, often in a romantic or chivalrous way. This term has a positive connotation. The gallant knight saved the princess from the dragon He offered his seat to her in a very gallant manner

Examples of usage

He always dresses so impeccably, he's such a dandy.
She admired the dandy in the sharp suit.
I don't have time to be a dandy, I prefer comfort over style.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a man unduly concerned with fashion, elegance, and fine manners.

Synonyms

fashion plate, macaroni.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dandy	In another context, 'dandy' means something very good or excellent, usually in a colloquial or light-hearted way. Everything was just dandy until the power went out. That new café serves a dandy cup of coffee.
fashion plate	This term is used to describe someone who is always up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and dresses stylishly. It's mostly positive and often implies admiration for one's fashion sense. Jane is a real fashion plate; she always looks like she stepped out of a magazine. Everyone considers him a fashion plate because of his impeccable style.
macaroni	An older, historical term that was originally used in the 18th century to describe young men who adopted extravagant fashion and mannerisms influenced by continental Europe. It's rarely used today. In the 1700s, young Englishmen known as macaronis were famous for their flamboyant fashion. His outfit was so over the top, he looked like a modern-day macaroni.

Word

Description / Examples

dandy

In another context, 'dandy' means something very good or excellent, usually in a colloquial or light-hearted way.

Everything was just dandy until the power went out.
That new café serves a dandy cup of coffee.

fashion plate

This term is used to describe someone who is always up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and dresses stylishly. It's mostly positive and often implies admiration for one's fashion sense.

Jane is a real fashion plate; she always looks like she stepped out of a magazine.
Everyone considers him a fashion plate because of his impeccable style.

macaroni

An older, historical term that was originally used in the 18th century to describe young men who adopted extravagant fashion and mannerisms influenced by continental Europe. It's rarely used today.

In the 1700s, young Englishmen known as macaronis were famous for their flamboyant fashion.
His outfit was so over the top, he looked like a modern-day macaroni.

Examples of usage

The dandy was a prominent figure in Regency England.
He prided himself on being a true dandy of the era.

Translations

Translations of the word "dandy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dândi

🇮🇳 डैंडी

🇩🇪 Dandy

🇮🇩 dandy

🇺🇦 денді

🇵🇱 dandys

🇯🇵 ダンディ

🇫🇷 dandy

🇪🇸 dandi

🇹🇷 dandy

🇰🇷 댄디

🇸🇦 أنيق

🇨🇿 dandy

🇸🇰 dandy

🇨🇳 花花公子

🇸🇮 dandy

🇮🇸 dandy

🇰🇿 денди

🇬🇪 დენდი

🇦🇿 dendi

🇲🇽 dandi

Etymology

The term 'dandy' originated in the late 18th century, initially used to describe men who placed particular importance on fashion and appearance. The dandy subculture emerged in Europe, particularly in England and France. Dandies were known for their impeccable style, refinement, and attention to detail in their clothing. Over time, the term has evolved to represent someone who is excessively concerned with their clothes and grooming.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,743, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21741 eject
21742 abstruse
21743 dandy
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21746 roe
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