macaroni
Macaroni (adj) means (historical) Fashionable or stylish in an exaggerated, foppish way, especially describing 18th-century dandies. Example: “The young lord dressed in the height of macaroni fashion, with an absurdly tall wig.”
How to use macaroni
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly known today as the pasta, but historically also described an over-the-top fashionable dandy.
The "fop" sense is archaic and mostly survives in the phrase from "Yankee Doodle" ("stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni").
Word forms
more macaroni comparative, macaronis plural, most macaroni superlative
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The young lord dressed in the height of _____ fashion, with an absurdly tall wig.
Etymology
From Italian maccheroni, of uncertain origin; the "fashionable dandy" sense in English comes from the 18th-century British Macaroni Club, whose members were known for flamboyant, Italian-influenced style.
Rhymes for macaroni
See all rhymes for macaroni →Frequently asked questions
What does “macaroni” mean?
The word “macaroni” means (historical) Fashionable or stylish in an exaggerated, foppish way, especially describing 18th-century dandies. In plain terms, most commonly known today as the pasta, but historically also described an over-the-top fashionable dandy.
How do you pronounce “macaroni”?
“Macaroni” is pronounced mak-uh-ROH-nee (/ˌmæk.əˈɹoʊ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “macaroni” in a sentence?
Here is “macaroni” used in a sentence: “The young lord dressed in the height of macaroni fashion, with an absurdly tall wig.”
What part of speech is “macaroni”?
Depending on how it is used, “macaroni” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “macaroni” come from?
The word “macaroni” dates back to around 1700 and comes from Italian. From Italian maccheroni, of uncertain origin; the "fashionable dandy" sense in English comes from the 18th-century British Macaroni Club, whose members were known for flamboyant, Italian-influenced style.
How many meanings does “macaroni” have?
“Macaroni” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (historical) Fashionable or stylish in an exaggerated, foppish way, especially describing 18th-century dandies.
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