lollygag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, humorous, old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “lollygag” mean?
To spend time idly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spend time idly; to dawdle or fool around instead of working or doing something productive.
To move or act in a slow, lazy, or aimless manner; often implying romantic dalliance or loitering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in American English; in British English, "dawdle", "loiter", or "mess about" are more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it's seen as a playful, slightly old-fashioned word. The potential romantic connotation (to kiss and cuddle) is largely archaic.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but has a stronger historical presence in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “lollygag” in a Sentence
Intransitive (e.g., Don't lollygag.)Intransitive + around/about (e.g., lollygag around the park)Intransitive + prepositional phrase (e.g., lollygag on the job)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lollygag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you keep lollygagging, we'll miss the train.
- He was lollygagging about in the garden all afternoon.
American English
- Quit lollygagging and get your chores done!
- We lollygagged at the mall until it closed.
adverb
British English
- They walked lollygaggingly down the lane.
American English
- The group moved lollygaggingly through the museum.
adjective
British English
- His lollygagging pace was infuriating.
American English
- She had a lollygagging attitude toward her homework.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would undermine professionalism.
Academic
Virtually never used; 'procrastinate' is the formal equivalent.
Everyday
Used humorously among friends or family, often by older generations.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lollygag”
- Spelling: 'lollygaggle', 'lallygag'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it as a transitive verb (e.g., 'He lollygagged the time').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not rude. It's informal and often used in a light-hearted, humorous, or gently scolding way.
No, it is considered informal and old-fashioned. Use 'dawdle', 'procrastinate', or 'linger' in formal contexts.
Its etymology is uncertain, but it appeared in mid-19th century American English, possibly related to dialect words or a playful formation.
Primarily, yes. However, it can be used informally as a gerund ('his constant lollygagging') or to form adjectives/adverbs, though these are rare.
To spend time idly.
Lollygag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒl.i.ɡæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑː.li.ɡæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lollygag and lag behind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LOL-ling person (LOLly) with a GAG in their mouth, just sitting around doing nothing funny.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE / WASTING TIME IS A PLAYFUL CRIME.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes someone who is 'lollygagging'?