The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
HANDY
handy, ready to hand
(adjective) easy to reach; “found a handy spot for the can opener”
handy
(adjective) skillful with the hands; “handy with an axe”
handy
(adjective) useful and convenient; “a handy gadget”
Handy, W. C. Handy, William Christopher Handy
(noun) United States blues musician who transcribed and published traditional blues music (1873-1958)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Originating as a nickname for a handy person.
Proper noun
Handy
A surname.
(rare) A male given name from English.
Anagrams
• Haydn
Etymology 1
Adjective
handy (comparative handier, superlative handiest)
Easy to use, useful.
Nearby, within reach.
Synonym: at hand
Of a person: dexterous, skilful.
Synonym: crafty
(slang) Physically violent; tending to use one's fists.
Of a freight ship: having a small cargo capacity (less than 40,000 DWT); belonging to the handysize class.
Antonyms
• awkward
Etymology 2
Noun
handy (plural handies)
(vulgar, slang) A hand job.
Etymology 3
Noun
handy (plural handies)
(Multicultural London English, slang) A handgun.
Anagrams
• Haydn
Source: Wiktionary
Hand"y, a. [Compar. Handier; superl. Handiest.] Etym: [OE. hendi, AS. hendig (in comp.), fr. hand hand; akin to D. handig, Goth. handugs clever, wise.]
1. Performed by the hand. [Obs.] To draw up and come to handy strokes. Milton.
2. Skillful in using the hand; dexterous; ready; adroit. "Each is handy in his way." Dryden.
3. Ready to the hand; near; also, suited to the use of the hand; convenient; valuable for reference or use; as, my tools are handy; a handy volume.
4. (Naut.)
Definition: Easily managed; obedient to the helm; -- said of a vessel.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
23 January 2025
LEFT
(adjective) being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north; “my left hand”; “left center field”; “the left bank of a river is bank on your left side when you are facing downstream”
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