dilly

[ dil-ee ]

noun

, Informal.

, plural dil·lies.

1. something or someone regarded as remarkable, unusual, etc.:

   a dilly of a movie.

dilly

¹

/ ˈdɪlɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   silly

dilly

²

/ ˈdɪlɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a person or thing that is remarkable

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilly¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1905–10; it was at first an adjective: “wonderful,” apparently a shortening of delicious, with -y ¹ (now taken as -y ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dilly¹

C20: perhaps from silly

Origin of dilly²

C20: perhaps from girl's proper name Dilly

Example Sentences

"The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team, and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic's story," the aquarium's general manager Richard Dilly said in a statement.

From BBC

"The team's focus is now on Magic, who will soon prepare for his first breeding season without Sphen," Mr Dilly said.

From BBC

The Tillen Farms collection from Stonewall Kitchens presents a line of crisp, pickled vegetables like classic asparagus, baby cucumbers and Dilly Beans.

From Washington Times

Or with a dilly dipping sauce if you're fancy!

From Salon

“Get some dilly gum,” I told him.

From Literature