Definition

Adjective: - Being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition: The word "hunky-dory" describes a state where everything is acceptable, adequate, or going well. It is an informal, often lighthearted term indicating that a situation is fine or good.

Usage

"hunky-dory" is used as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb like "be" or "seem." It is informal and somewhat dated slang, often used to give a cheerful or reassuring assessment.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be hunky-dory": This is the standard construction, used to declare that a situation is perfectly satisfactory.
  • The negotiations were difficult, but the final agreement is hunky-dory for both parties.

Variants and Related Words

• Hunky (adj, informal, dated): In good condition; satisfactory. (Note: This is a separate, older slang term from which "hunky-dory" is derived, but it is rarely used alone in modern English.)
• Fine (adj): Of high quality; satisfactory.
• Okay/OK (adj): Satisfactory; acceptable.

Synonyms

• All right: Satisfactory; acceptable.
• Fine: In good condition; satisfactory.
• Okay/OK: Satisfactory; adequate.
• Satisfactory: Fulfilling expectations or needs.

Antonyms

• Unsatisfactory: Not good enough.
• Unacceptable: Not satisfactory or allowable.
• Poor: Of low quality; not good.

Idioms and Phrases

• Everything is hunky-dory: A common phrase meaning everything is perfectly fine or going smoothly.
  • The inspector left, so as far as they're concerned, everything is hunky-dory.

Adjective

1. being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
   • an all-right movie
   • the passengers were shaken up but are all right
   • is everything all right?
   • everything's fine
   • things are okay
   • dinner and the movies had been fine
   • another minute I'd have been fine