Finesentence logo

Dilly: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
Add to dictionary

dilly

 

[ หˆdษชli ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

slang usage

Dilly is a slang term often used to refer to something that is remarkable or excellent, particularly in a playful or exaggerated manner. It may also imply something that is particularly attractive or delightful.

Synonyms

beauty, gem, wonder

Examples of usage

  • That car is a real dilly!
  • He told a dilly of a joke at the party.
  • She wore a dilly dress to the event.
Context #2 | Noun

informal terms

In some contexts, dilly can refer to a silly or foolish person or situation, deriving from the phrase 'dilly-dally,' which indicates wasting time or being indecisive.

Synonyms

dawdler, fool, slacker

Examples of usage

  • Don't be a dilly and make a decision.
  • She's always dilly-dallying when it's time to leave.
  • Stop dillying around and get to work!

Translations

Translations of the word "dilly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคฟเคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dilly

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะธะปะปั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‡ใ‚ฃใƒชใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dilly

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dilly

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋”œ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูŠู„ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dilly

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dilly

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฟชๅˆฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะธะปะปะธ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dilly

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dilly

Word origin

The word 'dilly' has an interesting etymology. It is believed to originate from the 18th century within British slang, where it was used to describe something delightful or excellent. Early usages of the term were often lighthearted and reflected an endearing tone towards the subject it was describing. The pairing with 'dilly-dally' solidified its association with playfulness and a sense of frivolity. As language evolved, 'dilly' became more associated with positive descriptors, maintaining its upbeat connotation. By the early 20th century, 'dilly' was widespread in informal contexts, particularly in American English, to signify something impressive or amusing. Today, 'dilly' continues to be a whimsical term that can denote either something fantastic or reflect a lighthearted critique of a person's demeanor or actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,030, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.