colly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowDialectal / Archaic / Poetic
Quick answer
What does “colly” mean?
To make something dirty with soot or coal dust.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something dirty with soot or coal dust; to blacken.
A dialectal term, particularly from Northern England and Scotland, for a blackbird (from 'colly bird', i.e., a bird black as coal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is a recognized (though obsolete/dialectal) term. In American English, it is virtually unknown except in historical/folkloric contexts (like the carol).
Connotations
In UK, it can carry nostalgic or regional connotations. In US, if recognized, it is seen as a quaint British archaism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but slightly more likely to be encountered in UK dialect studies or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “colly” in a Sentence
to colly [object] (e.g., the window)to be collied (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colly” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The smoke from the old engine would colly the white sheets on the washing line.
- Years of neglect had collied the beautiful marble statue.
American English
- (Virtually no usage; a constructed example:) In the historical novel, the chimney sweep's face was collied with grime.
adverb
British English
- (Not used.)
American English
- (Not used.)
adjective
British English
- (Obsolete) He had a colly complexion from working in the mines.
- The colly waters of the industrial canal.
American English
- (Not used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics, dialectology, or literary studies.
Everyday
Not used in modern standard English.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colly”
- Using 'colly' as a modern synonym for 'dirty'.
- Misspelling as 'collie' (the dog).
- Assuming it is in current general use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered obsolete or dialectal. Its main presence is in historical texts, dialect studies, and the Christmas carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
It is an old dialect term for a blackbird, literally a 'coal-black bird'. This is the version found in the earliest published versions of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.
Yes, historically it was a verb meaning 'to blacken with coal dust or soot'. For example, 'The smoke collied the walls of the cottage.'
It derives from Middle English, related to 'coal'. It essentially means 'coal-like' or 'black as coal'.
To make something dirty with soot or coal dust.
Colly is usually dialectal / archaic / poetic in register.
Colly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “black as a colly bird (dialect)”
- “colly west (dialect, meaning 'awry' or 'askew')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COAL' making something 'ugLY' -> COLLY.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRT IS A COATING (to colly is to coat with black dirt).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely context to encounter the word 'colly' today?