dilly-dallying

D

dilly-dallying (verb)
/ˈdɪliˌdæliɪŋ/

Meaning

• Engaging in activities that lead to unnecessary delays or wasting time by loitering or delaying.
• Postponing tasks or decisions, often resulting in procrastination or hesitation. ​
• Acting in a slow or lazy manner, leading to inefficiency or missed opportunities.

Example Sentences

1. Stop dilly-dallying and finish your homework before dinner.
2. We missed the train because she kept dillydallying at the café.
3. There’s no time for dilly-dallying; we have a deadline to meet!
4. He was dillydallying so much that we had to leave without him.
5. The coach warned the players against dilly-dallying during practice.

Origin and History

The term “dilly-dally” has traversed centuries, maintaining its core association with idleness and procrastination. Its origin showcases the dynamic nature of language, where words evolve through cultural usage, linguistic creativity, and phonetic experimentation

Earliest Recorded Usage

The Oxford English Dictionary cites the earliest known use of “dilly-dally” in 1592, attributed to Gervase Babington, the Bishop of Llandaff. In his writings, Babington remarked, “Such dilly dally is fitter for Heathens that knowe not God, then for sober Christians.” This context suggests that even in the late 16th century, the term was associated with frivolous or idle behavior.

Etymology of “Dally”

The root of “dilly-dally” lies in the word “dally,” which entered the English language in the 14th century. Originally, “dally” meant “to converse idly” or “to chat.” Over time, its meaning expanded to include “to spend time idly or frivolously; to linger, loiter; to delay.”

Reduplication in Linguistics

The formation of “dilly-dally” exemplifies a linguistic phenomenon known as reduplication, where a word or part of a word is repeated with slight variation. In this case, “dally” is preceded by “dilly,” creating a rhythmic and emphatic expression. This pattern is evident in other English phrases like “shilly-shally” and “wishy-washy,” which similarly convey hesitation or indecision.​

Connection to “Lavender’s Blue”

An interesting cultural reference is found in the folk song “Lavender’s Blue,” dating back to around 1675. The recurring phrase “dilly dilly” appears throughout the lyrics: “Lavender blue, dilly dilly, lavender green, When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen.” While “dilly dilly” in this context serves more as a melodic filler without a direct link to “dilly-dally,” it reflects the playful use of reduplicative expressions in English folk traditions.

Theories on the Term’s Evolution

Several theories attempt to explain the evolution of “dilly-dally”:​

1. Emphatic Reduplication: The repetition of “dally” with a modified prefix “dilly” serves to intensify the original meaning, emphasizing prolonged idleness or hesitation.​
2. Phonetic Playfulness: The alteration from “dally” to “dilly” may have arisen from a desire for rhythmic and phonetic appeal, making the phrase more engaging and memorable in spoken language.​
3. Influence of Other Reduplicative Phrases: The creation of “dilly-dally” might have been inspired by existing reduplicative expressions, following a linguistic trend of using such constructs to convey particular nuances, especially those related to time-wasting or indecision.​

Synonyms

1. shilly-shally
2. hem and haw
3. beat around the bush
4. drag one’s feet
5. kill time

Variants

• dillydally (without a hyphen)
• dilly-dallied (past tense)
• dilly-dallying (gerund/present participle)

Time, Work