Jollying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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jollying
[ˈdʒɒliɪŋ ]
Definition
cheering up
Jollying refers to the act of cheerfully or jovially encouraging someone, often to lift their spirits or make them feel better. It can be an informal way of interacting with someone who is feeling down, providing them with humor or positivity. The term implies a light-hearted approach to changing someone's mood.
Synonyms
cheering, encouraging, uplifting.
Examples of usage
- She spent the afternoon jollying her friend who was feeling sad.
- The comedian is known for jollying the audience during his shows.
- He was jollying everyone up with his funny stories.
- They tried jollying him along during the tough times.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culture
- Festivals around the world often feature jolly activities, like dancing and music, fostering community spirit.
- In British culture, 'jolly good' is an expression of approval, often used in a lighthearted or humorous context.
- Popular comedy has long celebrated the art of 'jollying' through humor, from Shakespearean plays to modern sitcoms.
Psychology
- Laughter and joy are linked to the release of endorphins, which boost mood and promote social bonding.
- Joking around can help reduce stress and tension in groups, making 'jollying' an important aspect of social interaction.
- Engaging in playful activities has been shown to improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters known for their jovial nature often serve as comic relief, enhancing the story's emotional range.
- Authors like Charles Dickens used 'jolly' characters to depict the warmth and spirit of community life during tough times.
- Poets have often celebrated joy and merriment, weaving 'jolly' themes throughout their work to uplift readers.
Origin of 'jollying'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'jolly' comes from the Middle English word 'jolif,' meaning cheerful or merry.
- In the 14th century, it started being used to describe people who are fun-loving and full of life.
- The verb form 'jollying' began to be used in the 19th century, emphasizing the act of bringing joy to others.
The word 'jolly' comes from the Middle English 'jolif,' which means cheerful or merry. Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'joli,' which means pretty or pleasing. Over time, 'jolly' evolved to denote a sense of happiness and cheerfulness. The addition of the suffix '-ing' creates the present participle form 'jollying,' which refers to the ongoing act of providing jollity or cheerfulness. The transition of the word into common language reflects social customs where humor and light-heartedness played significant roles in uplifting spirits.