lola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/MediumInformal, familiar; sometimes dated or culturally specific.
Quick answer
What does “lola” mean?
An informal term of address for a young woman, sometimes specifically implying an attractive but perhaps frivolous or flighty character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal term of address for a young woman, sometimes specifically implying an attractive but perhaps frivolous or flighty character.
Also used as a proper noun (name), often a diminutive/nickname for names like Dolores or Lolita, and can have specific connotations from popular culture (e.g., the Kinks song 'Lola').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences; its recognition as a song title (Kinks, 1970) is high in both, but might be slightly stronger culturally in the UK due to the band's origin.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation for many is the song about a romantic encounter with a transgender woman. Outside of that, as a name, it's neutral.
Frequency
Rare as a common noun. As a given name or nickname, it has low but stable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “lola” in a Sentence
[Proper noun used in address][Subject] + be + called/named LolaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in cultural studies discussing the song or name trends.
Everyday
As a nickname or in reference to the song.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lola”
- Using 'Lola' as a generic word for any woman (it is a proper name).
- Misspelling as 'Lolita', which is a distinct name with very different literary connotations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a proper noun (a name). Its use as a common noun to describe a type of woman is informal and largely stems from popular culture.
The 1970 song 'Lola' by the Kinks is the most widespread cultural reference.
No, it is a personal name/nickname. Using it to address a stranger would be inappropriate and confusing unless it is actually her name.
It means that the person named Lola is very determined and usually succeeds in getting what she desires, often through persuasion or charm. It originates from the musical 'Damn Yankees'.
An informal term of address for a young woman, sometimes specifically implying an attractive but perhaps frivolous or flighty character.
Lola is usually informal, familiar; sometimes dated or culturally specific. in register.
Lola: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.lə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.lə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets (from the musical 'Damn Yankees')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOLA sounds like 'low-la' – imagine a girl bowing LOW and saying 'LA' (like the city Los Angeles).
Conceptual Metaphor
LOLA IS A PERFORMER/CHARACTER (from its strong association with a specific song and stage musical persona).
Practice
Quiz
In what context is 'Lola' most commonly used in modern English?