lollapalooza: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often humorous
Quick answer
What does “lollapalooza” mean?
An extraordinary or remarkable person, thing, or event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extraordinary or remarkable person, thing, or event; a phenomenal success; a sensational or show-stopping example of something.
A large and impressive musical festival (after the brand name of the Lollapalooza festival).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Originated in American slang. Understood but rarely used in British English, where it would be seen as an Americanism. The festival name is recognised globally.
Connotations
In the US, retains some flavour of old-fashioned slang or whimsy. In the UK, primarily recognised as a festival name, with the slang meaning known to enthusiasts of American culture.
Frequency
Extremely low in British English, except as a proper noun. Low in American English, used for deliberate effect or in nostalgic/colourful contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lollapalooza” in a Sentence
[be] a lollapalooza[be] a lollapalooza of a [noun][Noun Phrase] was a real lollapaloozaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lollapalooza” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- He gave a lollapalooza performance that brought the house down.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used humorously to describe an exceptionally successful product launch or deal: 'The merger was a financial lollapalooza.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used for humorous emphasis to describe anything impressively large, successful, or outlandish: 'Her birthday cake was a real lollapalooza!'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lollapalooza”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lollapalooza”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lollapalooza”
- Misspelling: lollapalooza, lalapalooza, lolapalooza.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing due to its colourful sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, humorous American slang. It is not suitable for formal, academic, or technical writing.
The festival's founder, Perry Farrell, chose the name for its old-fashioned, quirky feel, implying it would be an extraordinary and eclectic event. The festival's success has made the proper noun more widely known than the original slang term.
No, it is almost exclusively used as a noun. On rare occasions, it can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'a lollapalooza party').
Not commonly. Its use is low-frequency and often deliberate, to sound colourful, nostalgic, or humorous. Recognition is higher due to the festival, but active use of the slang term is rare.
An extraordinary or remarkable person, thing, or event.
Lollapalooza: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒl.ə.pəˈluː.zə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɑː.lə.pəˈluː.zə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That takes the cake and is a lollapalooza for dessert.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOLLYpop that's so huge and PALatial it causes a 'OOZA' of amazement. That giant, amazing lolly is a LOLLAPALOOZA.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTRAORDINARY IS MONSTROUSLY LARGE / A SPECTACLE IS A FESTIVAL
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'lollapalooza' be LEAST appropriate?