Definition

1. Noun:
   • Someone who is excellent at something; an expert or champion: An "out-and-outer" refers to a person who is outstanding, preeminent, or exceptionally skilled in a particular field or activity. It often carries a connotation of being the absolute best or a thorough example of a type.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • In the world of classical piano, she is considered a real out-and-outer.
  • The team recruited him because he's an out-and-outer in software development.
  • Don't worry about the complex repair; we've hired an out-and-outer for the job.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term "out-and-outer" is informal and somewhat dated slang. It emphasizes completeness and extremity in skill or character.
• It can sometimes imply not just skill but also a distinctive, often flamboyant, personality associated with being the best.
  • He wasn't just a good salesman; he was a proper out-and-outer, known to everyone in the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Out-and-out (adjective): This is the related adjective form, meaning complete, absolute, or thorough.
  • That was an out-and-out disaster. (Meaning: a complete disaster)
• The noun "out-and-outer" is derived from this adjective form applied to a person.

Synonyms

• Ace: an expert.
• Virtuoso: a person highly skilled in a fine art, especially music.
• Champion: a person who has surpassed all rivals in a competition or field.
• Master: a person highly skilled in a particular art or activity.
• Expert: a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.

Antonyms

• Amateur: a person who engages in a pursuit on an unpaid basis or who is inexperienced.
• Novice: a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.
• Dabbler: a person who takes part in an activity without serious commitment.

Idioms and Phrases

• While "out-and-outer" itself is a noun phrase, it is not typically used within larger idiomatic constructions. It stands alone as a descriptive label for a person.

Noun

1. someone who is excellent at something