jim-dandy

American  

[jim-dan-dee] / ˈdʒɪmˈdæn di /

adjective

1. of superior quality; excellent.

   a jim-dandy sports car.

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noun

• jim-dandies
  plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• jim-dandies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of jim-dandy

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jim-dandy jim-dandies

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

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

He was a jim-dandy of a cook an' could get good money ashore.

From The Boy With the U. S. Life-Savers by Rolt-Wheeler, Francis

"Well, he was a reg'lar jim-dandy fer nerve, wa'n't he," said he finally in a little awestruck voice.

From The Red Badge of Courage by Crane, Stephen

"Put these jim-dandies on top with the yaller side up," he commanded.

From Dixie Hart by Harben, Will N. (William Nathaniel)