Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—J

Jack-a-Dandy

A term of endearment for a smart, bright little fellow; a Jemmy Jessamy.

Smart she is, and handy, O !
Sweet as sugar-candy, O !
... `And I'm her Jack-a-dandy, O !

Jack-a-dandy.
Slang for brandy. Dandy rhymes with brandy. (See Chivy.) In Ireland “dandy” means whisky: but whisky = eau de vie; and eau de vie is brandy.

“Dimidium cyathi vero apud Methropolitanos Herbernicos dicitur Dandy.” —Blackwood's Magazine, May, 1838 (Father Tom and the Pope).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Jack-a-Lantern
Jack
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content