doolittle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily literary/historical/humorous)Informal, archaic, literary, humorous
Quick answer
What does “doolittle” mean?
A person who is lazy, idle, or avoids work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is lazy, idle, or avoids work; someone who does very little.
A term of mild contempt or humorous reproach for someone perceived as unproductive or lacking ambition. It can also refer to a character or persona who shirks responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic and recognized in both varieties. Its most famous cultural reference (Dr. Dolittle) is known in both regions.
Connotations
In both, it implies laziness. The British usage might carry a slightly more class-based, historical nuance (e.g., a Victorian 'gentleman of leisure'), while the American usage might lean more towards a critique of a lack of work ethic.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken language in both regions. Almost exclusively found in historical texts, period dramas, or deliberate humorous/archaic use.
Grammar
How to Use “doolittle” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a doolittle.Don't be such a doolittle!He turned into a complete doolittle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doolittle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - not standard as an adjective. Use 'lazy', 'idle'.
American English
- N/A - not standard as an adjective. Use 'lazy', 'idle'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Modern equivalents: 'low performer', 'not a team player'.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or literary analysis discussing character or social types.
Everyday
Very rare. Used humorously or teasingly among friends/family: "Get up, you doolittle!"
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doolittle”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doolittle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doolittle”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He doolittles all day'). It is a noun.
- Capitalizing it when not referring to the specific character/surname.
- Overusing it in modern contexts where 'slacker' or 'layabout' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it criticizes laziness, it can be used humorously or affectionately, especially in a familial context, and lacks the sharpness of stronger insults like 'wastrel'.
The character's name is a pun. He 'talks to animals'—he 'does little' in terms of conventional human medicine, but he 'does a lot' with animals. The name humorously plays on the common noun.
Yes, but sparingly and for specific effect. It works for stylistic, archaic, or humorous flair. In standard modern prose, synonyms like 'slacker' or 'layabout' are more common.
No standard female form exists. 'Doolittle' is gender-neutral in reference, though historically applied more often to men. Context clarifies (e.g., 'she's a doolittle').
A person who is lazy, idle, or avoids work.
Doolittle is usually informal, archaic, literary, humorous in register.
Doolittle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈduːˌlɪt(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈduːˌlɪt(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A doolittle and a dreamer.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Doo' who is asked to do a task. They reply, 'I'll do... little.' Hence, a doolittle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A NON-PRODUCER / IDLENESS IS A PERSON (Personification of laziness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'doolittle' MOST likely to be used naturally today?