Dolly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'dolly' is thought to come from 'Dorothy,' a common name, suggesting a connection to a friendly or beloved figure.
• In the mid-19th century, 'dolly' was also a slang term for a small child or a young girl, hence its association with toys.
• The usage of 'dolly' as a term for a doll became popularized in Victorian England, where children were given dolls as one of their first toys.

Cultural Significance

• Dolly was the name of the first cloned sheep, created in 1996, raising important questions about cloning and ethics.
• In many cultures, dolls represent nurturing and care, often used as tools for teaching children about family roles and responsibilities.
• Some dolls are crafted traditionally by hand, preserving local cultural stories and practices across generations.

Psychology

• Playing with dolls has been shown to enhance creativity and social skills in children, aiding in role-play and emotional development.
• Research indicates that children often project their feelings onto dolls, using them as a medium to express and understand emotions.
• Doll play can serve as a safe space for children to mimic real-life situations, helping them process complex situations they observe in the world.

Art and Literature

• Dolls have appeared in literature since ancient times, symbolizing innocence or sometimes the darker aspects of childhood.
• Art pieces have been created using dolls to explore themes of identity, memory, and societal norms, challenging what we expect from childhood toys.
• Famous works, like Elfriede Jelinek's 'The Piano Teacher,' feature dolls as metaphors for repressed desires and emotional struggles.

At rank #26,564, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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