What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dandy
Example
He always dresses like a dandy, with a perfectly tailored suit and polished shoes. [dandy: noun]
Example
That's a dandy idea! [dandy: adjective]
swell
Example
I had a swell time at the party last night. [swell: adjective]
Example
She's such a swell person, always willing to help others. [swell: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swell is more commonly used than dandy in everyday language. Swell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dandy is less common and has a more specific meaning.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dandy and swell?
Dandy is more formal than swell, which is more casual and informal. However, both words are not commonly used in modern language and may sound outdated or old-fashioned.