Handy

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Handy

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and adverb

Pronunciation

HAN-dee  /ˈhændi/

Definition

Convenient and useful; easy to use or reach; (of a person) skilled with the hands, able to do practical tasks; (informal) useful for a particular purpose.

Plain meaning

Handy means convenient and useful. A handy tool is easy to use and within reach. A handy person is practical and good with their hands. Something that comes in handy is useful at the right moment.

Register

Informal to neutral. Handy is a casual, everyday word. It is not used in formal writing or technical contexts. Come in handy, very handy, and handy to have are standard informal expressions. Handy as applied to a person — she's very handy — is complimentary, suggesting practical competence.