wally

[wey-lee]

adjective

Scot.

1. fine; splendid.

2. strong.

wally

¹

/ ˈweɪlɪ /

adjective

1. fine, pleasing, or splendid

2. robust or strong

wally

²

/ ˈwælɪ /

adjective

1. made of china

   a wally dug

   a wally vase

2. lined with ceramic tiles

   a wally close

wally

³

/ ˈwɒlɪ /

noun

1. slang,  a stupid person

Word History and Origins

Origin of wally¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; wale ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of wally¹

C16: of obscure origin

Origin of wally²

from obsolete dialect wallow faded, adjectival use of wallow to fade, from Old English wealwian

Origin of wally³

C20: shortened form of the given name Walter

Example Sentences

You look a total wally if you dance too early, but after one crucial song tips the disco over, you look a sad saddo if you don’t.

Read more on Literature

Years later, when I was working as a trolley wally in a supermarket, I tackled the boredom by talking to the customers in as many different accents as I could manage.

Read more on The Guardian

“No, I’m a total wally at home. I’m the fourth kid.”

Read more on The Guardian

"I was like, 'You silly, naive wally!' Never wish that on yourself. It's unbearable."

Read more on BBC

Alan, who gives his age as 55, is not quite the brash, chirpy young wally you can find in video clips on the Internet.

Read more on New York Times