What does nattiest mean?
Nattiest is the superlative of the informal adjective natty. It describes someone or something exceptionally neat, well dressed, smart, or fashionable, with particular emphasis on an appearance that has been carefully arranged. The word is frequently used of clothing, as in “the nattiest suit in the room,” but it can also characterize a groomed animal, a tidy boat, or any conspicuously stylish presentation. Its tone is generally warm and admiring, although it may also carry a playful or faintly old-fashioned flavor when applied to exaggeratedly polished dress. In everyday British and American English, nattiest is especially associated with menswear and with the traditional sense of looking neat and smart. As a superlative, it naturally identifies the most stylish or tidiest member of a group: the nattiest child at the party, the nattiest scarf in the shop, or the nattiest of suits.
adjectiveExtremely neat, smart, or fashionable in appearance.
- Extremely neat, smart, or fashionable in appearance.
"He arrived in the nattiest suit I had ever seen."
"She wore the nattiest outfit to the garden party."
"That is the nattiest little boat I have ever seen."
Nattiest turns the modest compliment “neat” into a superlative worthy of a style award.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nattiest
Nattiest is the superlative form of natty, an adjective that appeared in English in the early 19th century. The ultimate origin of natty is uncertain: dictionaries have linked it with French and with earlier British dialect forms, but no derivation is universally accepted. Because its historical source remains disputed, secure cognates cannot be identified confidently.
Related word forms
How nattiest is actually used
An informal and generally approving word, especially common for stylish clothing or a carefully groomed appearance. It can also be used playfully or nostalgically when describing someone dressed with conspicuous neatness.