phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Humdinger

Posted by Janes_kid on May 30, 2003

In Reply to: Humdinger posted by Bookworm on May 29, 2003

: : What is the origin of "humdinger" which is used to imply a "big deal" or some sort of extravagance?

: According to Merriam-Webster Online:

: Main Entry: hum·ding·er
: Pronunciation: 'h&m-'di[ng]-&r
: Function: noun
: Etymology: probably alteration of hummer
: Date: circa 1904
: : a striking or extraordinary person or thing

: The definition for hummer is just "one that hums", but I am not sure what that has to do with it. The American Heritage Dictionary lists the etymology as "unknown".

Hum may have come from an old dutch word for bumblebee and ding for to strike. Is humdinger like a bee sting?

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.