jack-a-dandy

[jak-uh-dan-dee]

noun

Older Use.

plural

jack-a-dandies 

1. dandy.

Other Word Forms

• jack-a-dandyism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of jack-a-dandy¹

First recorded in 1625–35; Jack ( def. ) + a ³ ( def. ) + dandy

Example Sentences

His latest Nursery Rhyme Book includes classics such as Little Jack Sprat, Handy Spandy Jack-a-Dandy, Gregory Griggs and a few other, possibly less-known rhymes, some of which might not normally get as much attention as they're bound to do thanks to this lovely book.

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Some jolly Jack-a-Dandy stands upon the roof, at the imminent risk of his neck, and scrapes a fiddle to what, considering the pace of the coach, must have been a tune of the most agonizing description; while an amorous fellow hugs his girl behind.

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Do you think that I am going to be pitched on my head by a Jack-a-dandy like that," the fellow snarled, "and do naught?

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It seems to have been in use on the Scottish border at the end of the 18th century, its full form, it is suggested, being “Jack-a-Dandy,” which from 1659 had a sense much like its later one.

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Nanty Panty, Jack-a-Dandy, Stole a piece of sugar-candy, From the grocer's shoppy shop, And away did hoppy hop.

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