Brolly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brolly

[ˈbrɒli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

rain protection

A slang term for an umbrella, used primarily in British English.

Synonyms

parasol, umbrella.

Examples of usage

  • It's raining outside, don't forget to bring your brolly!
  • She always carries her brolly in her bag, just in case it starts to rain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In British culture, carrying a 'brolly' is almost a rite of passage, especially in cities known for their unpredictable weather.
  • Songs like 'Rain' by The Beatles illustrate the close relationship between rain and the 'brolly' in daily life.
  • In films and literature, a character's brolly can symbolize their preparedness or ability to face adversity, notably seen in classic British cinema.

Science

  • An umbrella works on the principle of air pressure; the shape helps divert raindrops while creating space for air to circulate.
  • Some modern brollies are designed with wind-resistant technology, which helps prevent them from flipping inside out in strong gusts.
  • Research in meteorology emphasizes the importance of umbrellas in managing rainfall exposure, especially in urban planning for stormwater control.

History

  • The umbrella has been around for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations using similar structures for sun protection long before they evolved for rain.
  • In the 17th century, it became a fashionable accessory in Europe, and the brolly was often considered a sign of social status.
  • The invention of the folding umbrella in the 18th century marked a significant advancement, making it more portable and paving the way for the modern brolly we use today.

Art

  • Brollies have been immortalized in various artworks, symbolizing not only protection from rain but also life’s unpredictable nature.
  • Artistic representations often use colorful, patterned brollies to evoke joy and playfulness despite gloomy weather.
  • The famous 1952 film 'Singin' in the Rain' featured umbrellas in a celebrated dance sequence, reflecting their cultural significance beyond mere functionality.

Origin of 'brolly'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Brolly' is a casual British slang for 'umbrella,' believed to be derived from 'brollie,' itself a blend of 'umbrella' and perhaps 'brolly,' from the word's diminutive form.
  • The term dates back to the early 20th century, showcasing how slang evolves in everyday conversation.
  • While 'brolly' is primarily used in the UK, similar informal terms exist in other cultures, reflecting regional language play.

The word 'brolly' is a colloquial term derived from the word 'umbrella'. It originated in the UK and is commonly used in British English. The term has been in use for many years and is a popular slang word for describing a portable device used to protect against rain.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,928, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.