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Dillydally: meaning, definitions and examples

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dillydally

 

[ ˈdɪliˌdæli ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

wasting time

To dillydally means to waste time by being indecisive or by engaging in aimless activities. This term often implies a lack of urgency or purpose, suggesting that someone is procrastinating instead of taking action. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts when someone's delay is unwarranted. The origin of this term can be traced back to the late 19th century, indicating a playful or frivolous attitude when it comes to dealing with important matters.

Synonyms

dawdle, delay, linger, procrastinate.

Examples of usage

  • Stop dillydallying and get to work!
  • They spent the entire afternoon dillydallying instead of studying.
  • Don't dillydally; the meeting starts in ten minutes.

Translations

Translations of the word "dillydally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hesitar

🇮🇳 लंबा करना

🇩🇪 herumtrödeln

🇮🇩 berlama-lama

🇺🇦 тягнути

🇵🇱 zwlekać

🇯🇵 ぶらぶらする

🇫🇷 traîner

🇪🇸 dilatar

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 아무것도 안 하다

🇸🇦 التأخير

🇨🇿 otálět

🇸🇰 otálka

🇨🇳 拖延

🇸🇮 odlašati

🇮🇸 draga

🇰🇿 кешіктіру

🇬🇪 გარკვეული დროით გაწელვა

🇦🇿 gecikdirmək

🇲🇽 procrastinar

Etymology

The word 'dillydally' originates from the late 19th century and is believed to be a reduplication or playful variation of the word 'dally.' This earlier term 'dally' comes from the Middle English word 'dallyen,' meaning to waste time or to flirt. The reduplication of sounds in 'dillydally' enhances its whimsical and childlike quality, making it often associated with light-hearted hesitation or delay. As a playful expression, 'dillydally' reflects the social attitudes toward wasting time, often with an undercurrent of disapproval. It gained popularity in everyday language as a humorous way to describe someone who isn't taking things seriously or is hesitating unnecessarily.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,638, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.