jim-dandy

American  

[jim-dan-dee] / ˈdʒɪmˈdæn di /

adjective

1. of superior quality; excellent.

   a jim-dandy sports car.

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noun

plural

jim-dandies

1. something of superior quality or that is an excellent example of its kind.

   The new infirmary is a real jim-dandy.

Usage

What does jim-dandy mean? Jim-dandy is an old-timey way to call someone or something great. It’s most commonly used as an adjective, as in That pie was jim-dandy! But it can also be used as a noun, as in That pie was a jim-dandy! The adjective dandy by itself, meaning “excellent” or “first-rate,” is a close synonym. Jim-dandy is also sometimes spelled jim dandy (without the hyphen). The origin of the term isn’t known, but it may be based on the title of an 1840s’ minstrel song about a Black character named “Dandy Jim” that contains racist language and stereotypes.

Etymology

Origin of jim-dandy

1875–80; special use of Jim (proper name) + dandy ( def. )

Example Sentences

I finished up with a jim-dandy meal at Cafe Classico and a drink at the Radisson Lackawanna, the derelict train station in “That Championship Season” that has been resurrected as a spiffy hotel.

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2010

I saw right away that Grandpa’s idea was a jim-dandy, but there was one thing that was bothering me.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

“Now, I’ll show you what a jim-dandy architect nature is,” said Percy.

From The Motor Maids' School Days by Stokes, Katherine

"She's just a jim-dandy for going and turning, Frank!" exclaimed Larry.

From The Airplane Boys among the Clouds or, Young Aviators in a Wreck by Langworthy, John Luther

W’y, it’s right there in the parler––jest above the pianney––and a jim-dandy piece of steel engraving she is, too.”

From Hidden Water by Dixon, Maynard