adjective General Slang

Ducky

/ˈdʌki/ · adjective · slang

Delightful, darling, or just dandy, a sweet word of approval from the flapper set.

0

Definitions

1

Said sarcastically to mean the opposite, that something is not fine at all.

“Oh, that's just ducky, now we've missed the train.”
by community
0
2

Delightful, charming, or wonderful.

“What a ducky little hat you've got on.”
by community
0
3

Used as an affectionate term for a dear person.

“Come here, ducky, and tell me all about it.”
by community
0

Ducky In A Sentence

The whole apartment is simply ducky.
Be a ducky and fetch me a drink.
Rained out again? Just ducky.

Origin & Usage

A term of endearment and approval with roots in 19th-century British English ('duck' as a pet name), it became fashionable in 1920s American flapper slang for anything delightful. The sarcastic sense grew up alongside the sincere one.

Variants duckie
Tags #1920s#flapper#jazz-age#prohibition#vintage#compliment

People Also Ask

What does 'ducky' mean in slang?

It means delightful or darling. In the 1920s it was a sweet word of approval, and it could also be a fond name for a person.

Where did 'ducky' come from?

From the older British endearment 'duck.' It became popular in 1920s American flapper slang for anything charming or fine.

Why is 'ducky' sometimes sarcastic?

Its sweetness made it easy to flip. Saying something is 'just ducky' with a sigh signals it's actually a mess.

Comments 0