Dictionary

dangler en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈdɛ̃ŋɡlɚ/ æ-raising
• /ˈdæŋɡlɚ/ (General-American) without æ-raising
• /ˈdeɪ̯ŋɡlɚ/ æ-raising
• /ˈdæŋɡləː/ (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

From dangle + -er.

Meanings

1. (informal) A dangling modifier, especially a dangling participle.
   • Similarly, participles ending in “ing” often cause danglers in scientific writing: […] 2014, Silvia M. Rogers, Mastering Scientific and Medical Writing: A Self-help Guide, page 43:
2. (slang) Any body part that dangles, such as the penis, testicles, uvula, and sometimes tongue.
   • Stupid kitten! First he thought he was a fish, now he thinks he's a mole. The vet says it's because he's missing one of his danglers. 2000 January 18, cormaic, “Wildlife Ponds”, in uk.rec.gardening (Usenet):
   • "Why do I have to feed her? Why do I have to look after her? I'm a girl. Ort doesn't have to 'cause he's a boy, 'cause he's got a dangler and I haven't."
3. A plotline that is metaphorically left to "dangle" or "hang"; in other words, the plotline is forgotten, phased out and eventually dropped, and thus a resolution is never achieved.
4. (informal) A large earring that hangs down far.
   • Long hair piled high on top of the head or cut to a short, curvy crop, needs the balance provided by large, dramatic earrings. Those with tresses frizzed into Pre-Raphaelite waves will like the look of huge hoops or ethnic danglers in wood […] 1985, Susi Rogol, Create a Look with Jewelry, page 22:
5. (archaic) One who dangles about (loiters around) others, especially a man chasing after women.
   • ‘You see,’ she cried, ‘what a Herd of Danglers flutter around you […].’ 1770, Frances Burney, Journals & Letters, Penguin 2001, 10 January
   • Such once was I, a dangler to the fair; / Still, as a glass, I praise their dress, their air […] 1783, Samuel Hoole, Aurelia; Or, the Contest:

Forms

wikidata: Q2135518