Dilly: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คช
dilly
[ หdษชli ]
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
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.
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
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:
๐ต๐น dilly
๐ฎ๐ณ เคกเคฟเคฒเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Dilly
๐ฎ๐ฉ dilly
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะธะปะปั
๐ต๐ฑ dilly
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฃใชใผ
๐ซ๐ท dilly
๐ช๐ธ dilly
๐น๐ท dilly
๐ฐ๐ท ๋๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏููู
๐จ๐ฟ dilly
๐ธ๐ฐ dilly
๐จ๐ณ ่ฟชๅฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ dilly
๐ฎ๐ธ dilly
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะธะปะปะธ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแก
๐ฆ๐ฟ dilly
๐ฒ๐ฝ dilly
Etymology
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.
- ...
- 36027 incinerate
- 36028 chicle
- 36029 whizz
- 36030 dilly
- 36031 outwitting
- 36032 topiary
- 36033 misfired
- ...