wally

American  

[wey-lee] / ˈweɪ li /

adjective

Scot.

1. fine; splendid.

2. strong.

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wally ¹ British  

/ ˈweɪlɪ /

adjective

1. fine, pleasing, or splendid

2. robust or strong

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wally ² British  

/ ˈwælɪ /

adjective

1. made of china

   a wally dug

   a wally vase

2. lined with ceramic tiles

   a wally close

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wally ³ British  

/ ˈwɒlɪ /

noun

1. slang a stupid person

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Etymology

Origin of wally

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Guardian • Mar. 30, 2018

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

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2014

"I'm just a wally hanging out on Pattaya Beach," sings Shane MacGowan on House of the Gods, which features a melody from I Know There's an Answer on Pet Sounds.

From The Guardian • Jul. 12, 2012

Of course he's England's patron saint, you wally, representing all those romantic notions of Englishness, a defiant spirit, dragon slaying and a jolly large red cross.

From The Guardian • Apr. 21, 2010

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.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell