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

His beautifully delivered sardonic manner and his catchphrases 'lovely boy' and 'Mr. la di da Gunner Graham' still make me smile.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2011

The murals were bursting to life, and everyone around her was like la di da, another day at the club.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older