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gandy dancer

noun
gan·​dy dancer | \ ˈgan-dē- How to pronounce gandy dancer (audio) \

Definition of gandy dancer

1 : a laborer in a railroad section gang
2 : an itinerant or seasonal laborer

First Known Use of gandy dancer

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for gandy dancer

of obscure origin

Note: Claims that gandy refers to a "Gandy Manufacturing Company" or "Gandy Tool Company," a supposed maker of section worker tools, have never been substantiated and are probably specious.

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