Meaning
A man very concerned about his physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of self.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
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.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
puritanuntidy person
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 14 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-09-04DAELNYZ
- 2026-05-23ACDEINY
- 2025-12-26NAJDCEY
- 2025-11-28AYDRONI
- 2025-11-11YANLGDI
- 2025-09-20ADENYZL
- 2024-05-27ADNIHLY
- 2024-05-11ACNEDJY
- 2024-01-17AYDVLIN
- 2023-12-11NAULDRY
- 2023-11-22NADIORY
- 2023-08-30ADTLINY
+2 earlier appearances in the archive.