dapper Hear it!

dapper Definition

dap·per (dap′ər)

adjective

  1. small and active
  2. trim, neat, or smart in dress or appearance

Etymology: ME daper, agile, trim < MDu dapper, nimble, powerful, akin to Ger tapfer, brave, ON dapr, heavy < IE base *dheb-, thick, solid, stocky: the sense development is from “heavy, powerful” to “nimble” to “trim, neat”

dapper Related Forms
dap′·perly adverb dap′·per·ness noun
dapper Synonyms

dapper

modif.

trim, smart, spruce, natty; see fashionable, neat 1.

dapper Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • gentleman: The first was played by a dapper gentleman from Canada.
  • suit: Wear them with skinny jeans, urban country dress or even a dapper suit.
  • man: In 1905, he was a dapper young man working in a Swiss patent office.
  • handicapper: Various subsidiaries more played with students dapper handicapper in.
  • fellow: John Lancashire and the doctor were completely changed in appearance, and came forth dapper, smart young fellows.
  • guy: He looked every inch the dapper guy just as he always did when he took to the park.

Modifying Another Word

  • rather: You're looking rather dapper you little tease, where do you get your clothes?
  • very: Also, I hope you will all agree with me that Kieran looks very dapper in his outfit.
  • equally: In any other week, the equally dapper The Sweeney would have been the stars.
  • always: Always dapper and courteous, he was a gentleman photographer.
  • so: Received the harness and Ben is very pleased to be looking so dapper and sends a woof of thanks to you!

Used with adjective complement

  • look: You're looking rather dapper you little tease, where do you get your clothes?
dapper Quotes

Any old iron, any old iron, Anyany old old iron? You look neat Talk about a treat, You look dapper from your napper to your feet. Dressed in style, brand new tile, And your father's old green tie on, But I wouldn't give you tuppence for your old watch chain; Old iron, old iron?

—Collins, Charles

Browse dictionary entries near dapper

  1. ‹ Daphne
  2. ‹ dap
  3. ‹ Danzig
  4. ‹ Danville
  5. ‹ Danube
  6. ‹ Danton
  7. ‹ Dante (Alighieri)
  8. ‹ danseuse
  9. ‹ danseur noble
  10. ‹ danseur
  1. dapple ›
  2. dapple-gray ›
  3. dapsone ›
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  5. Dar es Salaam ›
  6. darb ›
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