Doozy

Meaning

The idiom "doozy" is a slang term that means something difficult or challenging. It can also mean something exceptional or exciting, especially in a negative way.

Usage

• That math problem was a real doozy! I spent hours trying to solve it.
• He always manages to make a mess out of everything he does - it's like he's born to be a doozy.
• That movie was such a letdown, it was a real doozy.
• I can't believe how quickly the storm hit us - it was a real doozy!
• He may have been a bit of a doozy, but he sure knew how to party.

Roots and History

The exact origins of "doozy" are uncertain, but it has been used in English slang since at least the 1920s. One theory is that it comes from the Irish word "daisy," which was used as a vulgar term for an erection. Another theory is that it comes from the African-American dialect, where "doozy" was used to describe something that was difficult or challenging.

Synonyms in English

• Doozy - Piece of cake, walk in the park, cinch, breeze, child's play
• Difficult/Challenging - Herculean task, mountain to climb, uphill battle, daunting challenge, formidable obstacle
• Exciting - Thrilling, exciting, exhilarating, electrifying, riveting

Synonyms in other languages

• Difficult/Challenging - 烈闪努力 (kēn héng lǜ li) (Japanese), 艰苦之旅 (jiào jiù zhī shí xiāng xìng) (Chinese), אותמןתה מעשהים (otmntahem mə'shahyim) (Hebrew), מאוזןה מנחהים (mæuẓanha mankhahyim) (Hebrew)
• Exciting - 兴奋的 (xīng guān de) (Japanese), 酷疲的 (dù shī de) (Chinese), 幻想家 (huà xiǎng jiā) (Chinese), 肌肉精神的 (gōu ròu jīng shén de) (Chinese)

Similar Idioms

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• dead ringer

• down to earth