A fashionable young man, especially one who is overly concerned with his appearance and dress. Originally British slang from the early 20th century.
From Old Norse 'Knútr' (Canute), the name of Danish kings. The modern slang sense developed in early 1900s Britain, possibly influenced by the Danish connection to fashionable European style.
This word gained popularity during the Edwardian era when young men began adopting increasingly elaborate fashion styles, ironically named after ancient Viking kings who were anything but fashion-conscious!
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