dotty

¹

[ dot-ee ]

adjective

, Informal.

, dot·ti·er, dot·ti·est.

1. crazy or eccentric.
2. feeble or unsteady in gait.
3. very enthusiastic or infatuated (usually followed by about or over ).

dotty

²

[ dot-ee ]

adjective

, dot·ti·er, dot·ti·est.

1. marked with dots; dotted.

dotty

/ ˈdɒtɪ /

adjective

1. slang.
   feeble-minded; slightly crazy
2. slang.
   foll by about extremely fond (of)
3. marked with dots

Derived Forms

• ˈdottily, adverb
• ˈdottiness, noun

Other Words From

• dotti·ly adverb
• dotti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dotty¹

1805–15; perhaps dott(ard) variant of dotard + -y ¹

Origin of dotty²

First recorded in 1805–15; dot ¹ + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dotty¹

C19: from dot ¹: sense development of 1 from meaning of "unsteady on one's feet"

Example Sentences

Just the dotty ones are left or those whose abilities have greatly diminished…No one wants to leave anymore.

From Outside Online

Gustav would later describe his ex-wife, quite accurately, as “dotty, romantic, and forever craving change.”

From The Daily Beast

Despite his too-dotty-to-lie persona, Ron Paul is not in fact on the level.

From The Daily Beast

Abdul either provides heart or functions as the dotty aunt at the family picnic, depending on your point of view.

From The Daily Beast

Judge Leslie is dotty on that subject, and so are a good many of the other old fossils of Rosewater.

From Project Gutenberg

Dotty unrolled herself from the curtain with a triumphant smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Dotty tried to think there might be time enough, after all, to find the rings.

From Project Gutenberg

At the mention of rings, Dotty blushed, and stole a glance at Mrs. Allen.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, Dotty, I've excused you to Mrs. Pragoff, and it wouldn't be polite to go now.

From Project Gutenberg