What does humdinger mean?
A humdinger is an unusually good, impressive, or successful person or thing. The expression is informal and enthusiastic, suggesting that something is not merely pleasant but genuinely outstanding. People might call a performer a humdinger, praise a meal as a humdinger, or describe an event as a humdinger of a success. Its tone is warm and strongly approving, and it often carries a sense of admiration or surprise. Although the word is especially associated with North American English, it is broadly understandable in English. It is more suited to conversation, informal writing, and enthusiastic reviews than to formal or technical contexts. Because it compresses several ideas—excellence, distinction, and success—into a vivid single word, it can add color when describing someone or something that has made a particularly strong impression.
nounAn outstanding, impressive, or highly successful person or thing. It is often used enthusiastically to praise someone or something as exceptional.
- An outstanding or exceptional person.
- An impressive, remarkable, or highly successful thing.
"The team put on a humdinger of a performance."
"She is a humdinger of a singer, with a powerful voice and a commanding stage presence."
"The new restaurant was a humdinger, attracting crowds from the first week."
The plural is humdingers, usually used when referring to several outstanding people or things.
"The exhibition included several humdingers from independent designers."
Sometimes the biggest compliment is simply that something is a humdinger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of humdinger
The word arose in early 20th-century American slang and is generally understood as an informal formation associated with the words “hum” and “ding.” It was used to praise an outstanding person or thing. Its development follows the broader English pattern of blending lively, reduplicative-sounding expressions to convey enthusiasm and approval.
How humdinger is actually used
This is informal and strongly positive. It is especially common in North American speech and is often used with enthusiasm rather than in formal or neutral writing.