handy

comparative handier · superlative handiest · alternative dialectal obsolete hendy

1. Easy to use, useful.

   Some people regard duct tape as a handy fix-all.

2. Nearby, within reach.

   I keep a first-aid kit handy in case of emergency.

   3 more examples

   You wouldn’t have a screwdriver handy, would you?

   Have you a sheet of paper handy?

   1934, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], The Bravo of London

   And finally, have potholders and a stack of old towels handy before you begin. Dye splashes and drips may occur, so protect surfaces and be prepared to clean countertops.

   2026, Katherine Augustine, “Dyeing in the Baking Aisle”, in Spin Off, volume L, number 1, page 33

   Synonyms: at hand, on hand, to hand

3. Dexterous, skilful. (of a person)

   She's very handy: she made all her own kitchen cupboards.

   Synonyms: crafty

4. slangPhysically violent; tending to use one's fists.

   We had a sergeant who was a bit handy with the rougher elements. He dealt with them a little bit differently to what I do.

   1974, William Purcell, British Police in a Changing Society, page 68

   1 more example

   The Sloanes said he had nothing on them, that he threatened them, made up a lot of lies. Tried to attack them, got a bit handy.

   2012, Tania Carver, Choked

5. Of a freight ship: having a small cargo capacity (less than 40,000 DWT); belonging to the handysize class.

plural handies

1. childishThe hand.

   Clap, clap handies Mammie's wee, wee ain.

   1916, Blanche Fisher Wright, The Real Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Illustration

plural handies

1. Multicultural London EnglishslangA handgun.

   Look left and right, when I cross these roads, I don’t wanna get fright We got handies and shotties, which one should you decide?

   2020 July 9, C1, “Even Steven”, 1:51–1:57

2. slangvulgarA hand job.

   Synonyms: wristy

plural handies

1. non-native speakers' English(mostly used by Germans) Synonym of mobile phone.

   Life was good and quiet until six weeks ago when he received a phone call on his handy from Unbekannt Nummer --Unknown Number.

   2017, Sheldon Charles, From Within the Firebird’s Nest, Valkyrie Spirit Publishing, →ISBN

   2 more examples

   An important field of application for small rechargeable lithium ion batteries is that of the fast growing market of cellular phones or ‘handies’. 277,000,000 handies were sold worldwide in 1999.

   2000, TELESCON 2000: The Third International Telecommunications Energy Special Conference, IEEE, →ISBN, section 9 (Look at the Market), page 127

   “I’m afraid Mister Franklyn is occupied until seven o’clock. He shall call when he breaks. I’ll take a handy to receive calls—”[…]The distance frees him to take phone calls on his handy.

   2003, Regina Harris Baiocchi, Indigo Sound, Susaami Books, →ISBN, pages 79 and 82

1. A surname transferred from the nickname.
2. rareA male given name from English.