Lollygag: meaning, definitions and examples

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lollygag

[ˈlɑliˌɡæɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

inactivity

To spend time aimlessly or to dawdle. To be lazy or idle.

Synonyms

dawdle, idle, loiter, procrastinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lollygag	Typically used in an informal or playful setting to describe someone who is wasting time or being lazy. Stop lollygagging and help me with these boxes The kids were lollygagging around the park instead of going home
dawdle	Used when someone is moving slowly or wasting time, often when they should be doing something important or moving faster. We don't have all day, don't dawdle He dawdled over breakfast, making us late for school
loiter	Often used to describe someone who stays in a place without a clear purpose, sometimes implying suspicion or unwelcome presence. No loitering allowed near the entrance Teenagers were loitering in front of the shop
idle	Describes someone or something that is inactive or not working. Can have a slightly negative connotation indicating laziness or lack of purpose. He spent the afternoon idling by the river The factory has been idle for months
procrastinate	Used when someone is delaying or postponing something, especially something that needs to be done. It has a negative connotation implying avoidance of responsibilities. He procrastinated on his assignments until the last minute Don't procrastinate; start your project early

Examples of usage

He was lollygagging around the house instead of doing his homework.
Stop lollygagging and start working on your project.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person who wastes time by being lazy or idle.

Synonyms

idler, loafer, slacker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lollygag	Lollygag is often used in informal situations to describe someone wasting time or being silly when they should be doing something more productive. It has a playful tone. Stop lollygagging and get back to work! We spent the afternoon lollygagging by the lake.
idler	Idler is used to describe someone who avoids work or is habitually lazy. It's more formal than 'lollygag' and can be used in both positive and negative contexts. He was known as an idler who never held a steady job. On Sundays, he becomes a happy idler, enjoying his well-earned rest.
loafer	Loafer generally refers to someone who avoids work or is lazy, and it often carries a negative connotation. It can also refer to a type of shoe, but in this context, it describes a person's behavior. The boss accused him of being a loafer for his lack of effort. Instead of helping out, he just loafs around all day.
slacker	Slacker is used in informal contexts to describe someone who avoids responsibilities or does not work hard. It usually has a negative connotation. He's such a slacker, never finishing his tasks on time. The team was frustrated with the slackers who hindered their progress.

Examples of usage

Don't be a lollygag, get up and do something productive!

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated in the United States around the 1860s, possibly deriving from a combination of 'lolly' (a playful word for tongue) and 'gag' (a trick or joke).
Some suggest it may have roots in the British term 'loll', meaning to hang around or be lazy.

Pop Culture

In popular media, characters who lollygag often serve as comic relief, showing a contrast to more serious or industrious characters.
The term appears in various songs and films, often highlighting carefree attitudes.

Social Commentary

Lollygagging often reflects societal attitudes towards work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of leisure.
In education, teachers sometimes encourage students to avoid lollygagging to promote better time management skills.

Language and Dialects

The word is primarily used in American English, showcasing regional variations in vocabulary and expressions related to laziness.
Similar terms include 'dawdle' and 'fritter away time,' which also capture the essence of wasting time without purpose.

Psychology

Psychologists suggest that deliberate breaks from productivity, like lollygagging, can lead to increased creativity and mental well-being.
However, excessive lollygagging can also be a sign of procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities.

Translations

Translations of the word "lollygag" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vadiar

🇮🇳 समय बर्बाद करना

🇩🇪 herumlungern

🇮🇩 santai-santai

🇺🇦 байдикувати

🇵🇱 leniuchować

🇯🇵 怠ける

🇫🇷 flâner

🇪🇸 holgazanear

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 빈둥거리다

🇸🇦 يضيع وقت

🇨🇿 lenošit

🇸🇰 flákať sa

🇨🇳 游手好闲

🇸🇮 lenariti

🇮🇸 hangsa

🇰🇿 жалқаулану

🇬🇪 ზარმაცობა

🇦🇿 tənbəllik etmək

🇲🇽 holgazanear