hunky dory etymology

Etymology:

  • Hunky: Possibly from Hungarian "hunk," meaning "brawn" or "muscle."
  • Dory: Meaning "fine," "good," or "splendid," from the Middle English word "dore," which in turn comes from the Old French "doré," meaning "gilded" or "gold."

Meaning:

"Hunky-dory" means everything is fine or wonderful. It can also be used ironically to express sarcasm or skepticism.

Origin:

The exact origin of the phrase "hunky-dory" is uncertain, but several theories exist:

  • Sailing Slang: Some speculate that it originated in the 19th century among sailors. "Hunky" referred to a sturdy square-sailed ship, while "dory" was a smaller, flat-bottomed boat used for fishing. Sailors might have exclaimed "Hunky-dory!" when their voyage was going smoothly.
  • American Slang: Another theory suggests that the phrase originated in the American West in the mid-1800s. "Hunky" was a slang term for a person who was strong or capable, and "dory" was used to describe something that was "first-rate."
  • Nautical Joke: It has also been suggested that "hunky-dory" was a joke among sailors, referring to a "hunky" (small) "dory" (boat).

Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase "hunky-dory" has been in use since the mid-19th century and remains popular today as a way to express that all is well.

hunky dory relate terms

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