I'm interested in the etymology of the word "doozy". And primarily whether it is a good or bad thing? I always understood it to mean something exceptionally bad. e.g. Watch out for that first...

Jan 31, 2021 · OED: doozy, adj. and n. Etymology: Of uncertain origin: perhaps variant of daisy slang (originally and chiefly North American). A. adj. Remarkable, excellent; also, amazing, incredible. 1903 A. Kleberg Slang Fables from Afar 83 As soon as the races were billed he began to evolve schemes—one doozy scheme followed the other.

Feb 20, 2023 · I recently became aware of "Boy howdy!" and figured it was some kind of rural expression of enthusiasm, but I want a bit more clarity. My first encounter was in a Western novel: It was s...

Q&A for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts

Aug 8, 2024 · So, is the term categorical borrowed from the logic term categorical syllogism? What specifically would categorical denial mean—and not mean—if used properly based on its logic roots? Or, did the term category originally mean absolute, then the disciplines of math and logic borrow the term and start using it in logical syllogisms.

Dec 21, 2010 · In modern usage, to have at is to attempt, to go ahead, or to attack physically. I suspect it comes from a shortening of the phrase have a go (at), which is used in the very same situations. Have at it means try (to do) it, have at thee! announces an attack in Shakespearian English, and he had at her with a knife means he attacked her with it.