wally

[ wey-lee ]

adjective

, Scot.

1. fine; splendid.
2. strong.

wally

¹

/ ˈweɪlɪ /

adjective

1. fine, pleasing, or splendid
2. robust or strong

wally

²

/ ˈwɒlɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a stupid person

wally

³

/ ˈwælɪ /

adjective

1. made of china

   a wally vase

   a wally dug

2. lined with ceramic tiles

   a wally close

Word History and Origins

Origin of wally¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; wale ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of wally¹

C16: of obscure origin

Origin of wally²

C20: shortened form of the given name Walter

Origin of wally³

from obsolete dialect wallow faded, adjectival use of wallow to fade, from Old English wealwian

Example Sentences

You look a total wally if you dance too early, but after one crucial song tips the disco over, you look a sad saddo if you don’t.

From Literature

Years later, when I was working as a trolley wally in a supermarket, I tackled the boredom by talking to the customers in as many different accents as I could manage.

From The Guardian

“No, I’m a total wally at home. I’m the fourth kid.”

From The Guardian

"I was like, 'You silly, naive wally!' Never wish that on yourself. It's unbearable."

From BBC

Alan, who gives his age as 55, is not quite the brash, chirpy young wally you can find in video clips on the Internet.

From New York Times