lollygag
Americanverb (used without object)
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to spend time idly; loaf.
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to indulge in kisses and caresses; make love; neck.
verb
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Usage
What does lollygag mean? To lollygag is to dilly-dally, dawdle, loaf around, or goof off. If you’re lollygagging, you’re wasting time by moving slowly or doing something less important than what you should be (or doing nothing at all).Lollygag is primarily used in the United States. It is synonymous with the very similar spelled lallygag, but lollygag is more commonly used. Both are very informal.Example: Coach yelled at Spencer for lollygagging at practice.
Etymology
Origin of lollygag
An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; origin uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I can’t just be out there and just lollygagging around. I’ve got to be focused. I have to pay attention to all the little details. I have to be on cue and poised every game.”
From Seattle Times
Friday brings the premiere of “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” an anime series based on the comic book about a young, lollygagging amateur bass player battling seven of his new love’s exes.
From New York Times
Even the raucous home crowd was frustrated by the lollygagging.
From Seattle Times
When he wants to serenade a love interest he can hardly believe wants him back on “Sweet,” he brings a drowsy drum loop and lollygagging chords to soundtrack his lyrics.
From Los Angeles Times
On Monday evening, a Times reporter spotted the otter lollygagging along the coast between the lighthouse and the nearby surfer statue.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
