The Times. Friday, February 07, 1823, pg. 3, Issue 11789, column E

To the editor of the Times

Sir, – While your correspondent T. E. seems to have put the French “Constant Reader’s” opinion of DANDY a little out of joint, I question much the if his own notions of its dandling derivation be more correct. Permit me to suggest that dandy is a mere literal modification of dainty, which, besides its ordinary meanings, was once a term of endearment, though now of irony or reproach. In an old Scottish song we have – “Weels me on your curly pow, my bonny dainty Davie!” which implies enough of the fop to make us believe that David was a laddie who took good care of his sweet person, though he probably did not go so far as to let his Caledonian lassie know any thing of wearing stays, or painting his rosy cheeks, as the modern (dainties) dandies are supposed to do. Your obedient servant Q. 1st Feb. 1823.