lollywater: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowInformal, colloquial, humorous, dated
Quick answer
What does “lollywater” mean?
A colloquial, informal term for a soft drink, sweet cordial, or fizzy drink.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial, informal term for a soft drink, sweet cordial, or fizzy drink.
Can be used humorously or dismissively to refer to any non-alcoholic, sweet beverage perceived as frivolous, childish, or lacking substance. Occasionally used as a derogatory term for very weak alcoholic drinks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is virtually unknown in American English. In British English, it is very rare and would likely be understood only by older speakers or those familiar with Australian/New Zealand slang.
Connotations
In its native Australasian context, it's a nostalgic, affectionate term. In the UK, if recognized, it might sound quaint or archaic. In the US, it would be incomprehensible.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both the UK and US. Its primary region is Australasia.
Grammar
How to Use “lollywater” in a Sentence
He drank a [glass of] lollywater.They served only lollywater at the party.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used only in informal, nostalgic, or humorous conversation in Australasia.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lollywater”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a standard term for soft drinks outside of Australasia.
- Using it without a humorous or nostalgic intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, informal term primarily used in Australia and New Zealand, and is considered old-fashioned.
It is not recommended, as it will likely not be understood or will sound very odd. Use 'soft drink', 'soda', 'pop', or 'fizzy drink' instead.
It is almost exclusively used as a non-countable noun (e.g., 'some lollywater').
Typically no, it refers to a non-alcoholic, sweet drink. However, it can be used humorously to describe a very weak alcoholic drink.
A colloquial, informal term for a soft drink, sweet cordial, or fizzy drink.
Lollywater is usually informal, colloquial, humorous, dated in register.
Lollywater: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒliˌwɔːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable (word not used). A phonetic approximation would be /ˈlɑːliˌwɔːtər/.. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit of a lollywater drinker.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'lolly' (British/Australian for lollipop) dissolved in 'water' – a simple, sweet, childish drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
A childish substance is a frivolous drink (lollywater).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lollywater' most appropriately used?