TO THE EDITOR.

“What things are they of doubtful gender,
Tipp’d at each end with brass, and slender,
Like broomstick of the witch of Endor?
They’re dandies.”

Sir,, Can any of your book-learned correspondents inform me of the real, or most probable, etymology of the word “Dandy.”

In our family, Sir, the want of knowing the true derivation of this little word has led to the most serious consequences. My old maiden aunt, Deborah Nettle, and my sister, Kitty Fretful will not, I am much afraid, be friends during the present reign , if they ever will: and all for this simple reason, that the one asserted it was derived from the French “dandir,” a simpleton, a fool; and the other trom “dando,” or “dindo,” Spanish, signifying a child or childish.

Should these few lines find a place in your Kaleidoscope, I have no doubt but that some оf your correspondents, who are able etymologists, will throw some light on the matter.

I am, Sir, yours, &c.

TOM SQUIRREL.

Quoted from: The Kaleidoscope, or, Literary and Scientific Mirror. Vol. 2 Liverpool, 1822: 296.