tony English · revision 4134

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1877}}

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+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈtəʊ.ni/, US /ˈtoʊ.ni/^(Roach et al. 2011)

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+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|tone|-y]],^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)^(MWU 2024) its sense influenced by [[ton]] “fashionable society”.^(MWU 2024)

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+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ “Of a high tone, affecting social elegance, swell”: 1877, American slang.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MW Collegiate)

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+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The Shorter Oxford marks it colloquial, originally American.^(SOED 2002) In the 1920s, from 1921, tony was also the name of a reddish-brown fashion colour.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

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+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1877 – stylish.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1921 – a fashion colour.^(OED 1989)

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+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # ''(informal)'' Expensive, luxurious or exclusive; [[stylish]]: ''a tony neighbourhood''.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

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+ ==Related words==

+ * [[tone]]

+ * [[ton]]

+ * [[high-toned]]

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+ ==Usage notes==

+ Capitalized, a Tony is one of the awards given each year since 1947 by the American Theatre Wing for achievement in the theatre, named from the nickname of the actress and producer Antoinette Perry.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989) An older slang Tony, a fool, from the pet form of Anthony, is recorded from 1654, and a verb “to fool, cheat” from before 1652.^(OED 1989)^(SOED 2002)

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+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}