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Dec 8, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—J

Jack-a-Dandy

A term of endearment for a smart, bright little fellow; a Jemmy Jessamy.

Smart she is, and handy, O !
Sweet as sugar-candy, O !
... `And I'm her Jack-a-dandy, O !

Jack-a-dandy.
Slang for brandy. Dandy rhymes with brandy. (See Chivy.) In Ireland “dandy” means whisky: but whisky = eau de vie; and eau de vie is brandy.

“Dimidium cyathi vero apud Methropolitanos Herbernicos dicitur Dandy.” —Blackwood's Magazine, May, 1838 (Father Tom and the Pope).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Jack-a-Lantern
Jack
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More on Jack-a-Dandy from Infoplease:

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  • Jack-a-Dandy - Jack-a-Dandy A term of endearment for a smart, bright little fellow; a Jemmy Jessamy. Smart she is, ...
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