What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dandy
Example
He always looks like a dandy in his tailored suits. [dandy: noun]
Example
She spent hours getting ready, making sure every detail was perfect, because she wanted to look dandy for the party. [dandy: adjective]
fop
Example
He's such a fop, always fussing over his hair and clothes. [fop: noun]
Example
She found his foppish behavior off-putting, as he seemed more concerned with his appearance than anything else. [foppish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dandy is more commonly used than fop in modern language, as fop is an older term that has fallen out of use. Dandy is still used today to describe fashionable men.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dandy and fop?
Both dandy and fop are informal terms, but fop has a more negative connotation and may be considered more insulting than dandy.