dandy

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.

noun

1. A man very concerned about his physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of self.
2. (Britain, nautical) A yawl, or a small after-sail on a yawl.
3. A dandy roller.
4. (UK, Ireland, slang, archaic) A small glass of whisky.
   Somebody quite as notorious as Brummell, but whose follies have been far more mischievous; whose eloquence is great, but certainly not always refined; and to whose health many a dandy of whisky has been tossed off. 1844, William Jesse, The life of George Brummell, page 57

adj

1. Like a dandy, foppish.
2. Very good; better than expected but not as good as could be.
   That's all fine and dandy, but how much does it cost?
3. Excellent; first-rate.
   What a dandy little laptop you have.
   Grip Sures are dandy shoes for anything that comes along. Hiking, climbing, canoeing, around camp or in the gym — you can't have anything better. 1924, Boys' Life, page 27
   Its gonna be just dandy / The day I take my Candy / And make him mine all mine 1945, Mack David, Alex C Kramer, Joan Whitney (lyrics and music), “Candy”, performed by Nat King Cole
   A perfectly dandy cartoon feature, “The Jungle Book,” scooted into local theaters yesterday just ahead of the big day, and it's ideal for the children. 1967-12-23, “Disney ‘Jungle Book’ Arrives Just in Time”, in The New York Times, →ISSN