handy
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Physically violent; tending to use one's fists.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
We had a sergeant who was a bit handy with the rougher elements. He dealt with them a little bit differently to what I do.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “handy” mean?
Physically violent; tending to use one's fists.
Is “handy” formal or informal?
handy is generally slang.