A dandy is a fashion trendsetter who places a high degree of importance on physical appearance, always staying fashionable, well-groomed and elegantly dressed. Almost to the point of religion, a dandy follows a strict set of aesthetic principles and lives his life in accordance with them.
Historically, dandies were very conscious of how they were perceived by others, refining their mannerisms, body language and voice to maintain a nonchalant demeanour.
They strived to become more aristocratic in their language, hobbies and values.
Dandies would put on a smile even when blasé or in pain. According to writer Charles Baudelaire, these calculated mannerisms and styles of dress were used to display the superiority of their minds. It was a revolt against everyday mediocrity.
DANDY MEANING
Synonyms for dandy include:
- Beau
- Fop
- Masher
- Boulevardier
- Sharp dresser
- Dapperling
- Man about town
HISTORY OF THE DANDY
Know the song Yankee Doodle Dandy? The lyrics of this song refer to early dandy fashions which eventually spread across Europe.
The term dandy was first used in eighteenth century England to describe flamboyantly-dressed members of the Macaroni Club, a team of aristocratic young Englishmen that flaunted the latest fashions from France and Italy around posh parlours. They dressed in elaborate layers and fashions consisting of ruffled clothing, luxurious vests, tailored waistcoats, knee buckles, stockings, brightly coloured shoes and oversized wigs.
Accessories were also a critical part of the fashion and regularly consisted of flowers, pocket watches, bejewelled chewing tobacco boxes, diamond-encrusted swords and walking sticks adorned with gold.
But by the early nineteenth century, dandy began to take on its current meaning as a fashionable man who dressed with care.
EXAMPLES OF DANDIES & DANDY FASHION
- Julius Caesar
- George Bryan “Beau” Brummell
- Lucius Sergius Catilina
- Russell Brand
- Oscar Wilde
- Alcibiades
- Andy Warhol
- Andre 3000
- Lord Bryon
- Beau Brummel
RELATED AND SIMILAR WORDS
- Flâneur
- Aristocrat
QUOTES ABOUT DANDYISM
“Dandyism is not even, as many unthinking people seem to suppose, a immoderate interest in personal appearance and material elegance. For the true dandy these things are only a symbol of the aristocratic superiority of his personality.”
Charles Baudelaire
