nifty etymology

Etymology:

• Late 19th century: From American English "nifty" ("excellent, attractive"), possibly from earlier Australian slang in the sense "neat, clever."

Meaning:

• Excellent, stylish, or sophisticated
• Cool, hip, or trendy
• Smart, clever, or cunning

Origin:

The exact origin of the word "nifty" is uncertain, but there are several theories:

• Australian slang: In the 1850s, Australian colonists used "nifty" to mean "neat, tidy, or clever." This usage may have been influenced by the Romani word "nifti" ("smart").
• American military slang: During the American Civil War, "nifty" was sometimes used to describe things that were "neat" or "excellent."
• American baseball slang: In the late 19th century, "nifty" was used by baseball players to refer to a tricky pitch or a clever play.
• African-American English: Some linguists believe that "nifty" may have originated from African-American slang, possibly from the word "nife" ("fine").

"Nifty" gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century and became widely used in movies, radio, and popular culture. It has remained a common term for expressing approval or admiration.

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