Word
dandy
Phoneticsdandy
US/ˈdændi/
UK/dˈændi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a man who cares a lot about his clothes and looking very stylish. It is a slightly old-fashioned word for someone who is very fashionable.
n. a man who places excessive importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies. Often used to describe historical figures or those with a highly curated, flamboyant style.
Examples
“He dressed like a dandy in his velvet suit.”
“The young man was quite the dandy, spending most of his inheritance on custom-made silk waistcoats and expensive perfumes.”
“While the term originated as a critique of vanity, the nineteenth-century dandy often used his appearance as a form of social rebellion against the drab uniformity of the industrial age.”
Examples
simple
“He dressed like a dandy in his velvet suit.”
contextual
“The young man was quite the dandy, spending most of his inheritance on custom-made silk waistcoats and expensive perfumes.”
complex
“While the term originated as a critique of vanity, the nineteenth-century dandy often used his appearance as a form of social rebellion against the drab uniformity of the industrial age.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article ('the dandy') to refer to the social archetype.
Real-World Examples
“If the team makes a bit of money – although nothing like the sort of profit that would justify its valuation – or breaks even, then that’s dandy.” “He did not elaborate on whether Washington would take any action, but told reporters that “everything’s gonna work out fine and dandy” in the region.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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