Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dillydally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⏳
Add to dictionary

dillydally

[ˈdɪliˌdæli ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in many children’s songs and stories, often to describe characters who are slow or lazy.
  • In the movie 'The Princess Bride', a character famously says, 'Don't dilly dally!' highlighting the word's association with procrastination.
  • Numerous cartoons depict characters dilly-dallying, reinforcing the humorous aspect of avoiding tasks.

Psychology

  • Procrastination often leads to feelings of stress and dissatisfaction, which can be linked to the behavior of dillydallying.
  • Some psychologists suggest that dillydallying can be a way to cope with anxiety about a task by distracting oneself with less important activities.
  • Time management studies show that those who dilly-dally tend to struggle more with deadlines and effective planning.

Literature

  • In Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', characters often seem to dilly-dally, embodying the whimsical also illustrated in this word.
  • Shakespeare used similar playful language in his works to convey laziness or procrastination habits among characters.
  • Modern children's literature frequently employs the concept of dillydallying to teach lessons about time management and responsibility.

Origin of 'dillydally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dillydally' first appeared in English literature in the late 16th century.
  • It is believed to be derived from a combination of the words 'dilly', meaning to waste time, and 'dally', which means to act slowly or to linger.
  • The playful sound of 'dillydally' suggests a lighthearted, foolish behavior, adding to its charm.

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.