gandy dancer

noun

gan·​dy dancer ˈgan-dē- How to pronounce gandy dancer (audio)
Synonyms of gandy dancernext
1
: a laborer in a railroad section gang
2
: an itinerant or seasonal laborer

Word History

Etymology

of obscure origin

Note: Claims that gandy refers to a "Gandy Manufacturing Company" or "Gandy Tool Company," a supposed maker of section worker tools, have never been substantiated and are probably specious.

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gandy dancer was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near gandy dancer

gandoura

gandy dancer

gane

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Gandy dancer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gandy%20dancer. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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