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

Explanation

If your friend describes you as la-di-da, she thinks you're a pretentious snob. Maybe it's that fake English accent you're always using. La-di-da is the perfect informal term for someone who acts grand and pompous. Sometimes people who speak using flowery language or long, complicated words are described this way, and sometimes it's their affected manners than earn them the la-di-da label. The word dates from the late nineteenth century, and its nonsense syllables mock the way affected people speak.

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

Even his dancers — so outstandingly fresh as a rule — reflected this by sometimes looking a bit la-di-da, too determinedly gracious for comfort.

From New York Times • May 18, 2016

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