I'm wondering where the term "Just Ducky" came from. I've heard this term in Vermont, and both Eastern and Western/Central Canada. The term is used as a response to the question "How are you." and means something positive like well, happy, etc. Much more infrequently I hear people respond with "Just Peachy."
Where did the "ducky" term come from? I also wonder, for those people who don't care for ducks, do they still use this term?
Here is what the OED says,
"Sweet, pretty; fine, splendid. Chiefly in affected or familiar use.
1897 Westm. Gaz. 5 Apr. 10/1 She remembers making his first dress with its ‘ducky buttons.' 1905 M. BARNES-GRUNDY Vacil. Hazel 111 The duckiest, little bronze beetle,..mounted in gold. 1905 Punch 8 Mar. 178/1 Only see how prettily he's scratching his ducky little ear. 1927 Ibid. 14 Sept. 285/1 You can wear one of those ducky little lace caps. 1949 F. BROWN Dead Ringer ii. 16 ‘Is everything okay, Am?' ‘Everything's ducky.' 1958 M. DICKENS Man Overboard xv. 248, I shall tell the tradesmen that you have no authority to give orders... That's going to make you look just ducky, isn't it?"
Emmett