gandy dancer

[ gan-dee ]

noun

, Railroads Slang.

1. a member of a railroad section gang that lays or maintains track.

gandy dancer

/ ˈɡændɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a railway track maintenance worker

Word History and Origins

Origin of gandy dancer¹

1915–20; dancer apparently in reference to the rhythmic movements characteristic of such work; gandy is unexplained; the existence of a Gandy Manufacturing Company, which supposedly produced tools used by section gangs, has not been substantiated

Word History and Origins

Origin of gandy dancer¹

C20: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

One observer likened her stroke “to watching a gandy dancer drive railroad spikes,” The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported.

From New York Times