Definition

1. Noun:
   • Something excellent of its kind: A "crackerjack" is a person or thing that is exceptionally good, outstanding, or first-rate within its category.
   • Someone excellent of their kind: A "crackerjack" can also refer to a person who is extremely skilled, talented, or proficient at something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • That new smartphone is a real crackerjack; it has all the latest features.
  • She's a crackerjack at solving complex math problems.
  • The chef prepared a crackerjack of a meal for the guests.

Advanced Usage

• "Crackerjack of a [noun]": This is a common idiomatic construction used to emphasize the exceptional quality of the person or thing being described.
  • He's a crackerjack of a lawyer, winning every case.
  • They built a crackerjack of a team for the project.

Variants and Related Words

• Jim-dandy (noun): A direct synonym for "crackerjack," meaning something or someone excellent. This term is more informal and dated.
  • That old car is a real jim-dandy.

Synonyms

• Expert: A person with a high level of knowledge or skill.
• Ace: Someone who is very skilled at a particular activity.
• Whiz: A person who is remarkably skilled or knowledgeable.
• Top-notch: Of the highest quality; excellent.

Related Phrases

• Crackerjack box: Historically, this refers to a popular brand of caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts sold in a box that included a small prize. The brand name "Cracker Jack" has contributed to the word's association with something prized or excellent.
  • Finding that rare coin was like getting a prize from a Crackerjack box.

Notes on Meaning

The term "crackerjack" is informal and often conveys a sense of enthusiastic approval. It can describe both objects and people. Its usage is more common in American English.

Noun

1. something excellent of its kind
   • the bike was a jimdandy
2. someone excellent of their kind
   • he's a jimdandy of a soldier