dandy
UK[ˈdændi]US[ˈdændi]
n
a man who places particular importance upon his dress, appearance, and manners, often to an exaggerated degree.
adj
very good of its kind; excellent.
Etymology
the origin of 'dandy' is somewhat obscure, emerging in british english around the late 18th century. one popular theory suggests it may be a shortened form of 'jack-a-dandy', a playful nickname, with 'dandy' itself possibly deriving from the scottish 'dandie', meaning 'to strut' or 'to play'. another less likely theory links it to the french 'dandin', meaning a ninny or simpleton, which could have been used mockingly. regardless of its precise source, the term quickly became attached to a fashionable, fastidious man, and its meaning later broadened to describe anything considered first-rate or excellent.
Analysis
the word is a simplex. it does not lend itself to segmentation into productive morphemes based on its modern english spelling.
Examples
he was known around town as a dandy, always dressed in the latest fashions.
that's a dandy little gadget you've invented.
the dandy spent hours perfecting the knot in his cravat.