la-di-da

American  

[lah-dee-dah] / ˈlɑ diˈdɑ /

Or la-de-da,

interjection

1. (used as an expression of derision directed at affected gentility or pretentious refinement.)

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adjective

1. affected; pretentious; foppish.

   a la-di-da manner.

noun

1. an affected or pretentious person.

2. behavior or speech characterized by affected or exaggerated gentility.

la-di-da British  

/ ˌlɑːdiːˈdɑː /

adjective

1. informal affecting exaggeratedly genteel manners or speech

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noun

1. a la-di-da person

Etymology

Origin of la-di-da

First recorded in 1880–85; derisive imitation of affected, pseudo-elevated speech

Example Sentences

Ms. Keaton’s la-di-da breeziness was one of her most sneakily beguiling qualities; she came across as the best friend you’d love to confide in because you knew she didn’t hold herself higher than you.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

Her catchphrase, “Oh well, la-di-da, la-di-da,” became iconic.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

He imagines it sounding like a lofty “Hee-hee-hee!,” which, as he pronounced it, was an airy la-di-da sound that evoked brandy snifters and drollery.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 30, 2015

As the car pulled up to the entrance, however, they could tell instantly that they’d been had: women in designer gowns, men in black tie, a diplomatic receiving line, a very la-di-da affair.

From Time • Feb. 11, 2014

“You’re telling me it’s a la-di-da love letter?”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein