lulu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated slang
Quick answer
What does “lulu” mean?
An outstanding or remarkable person or thing, often in an amusing or eccentric way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An outstanding or remarkable person or thing, often in an amusing or eccentric way.
An extreme or exceptional example of something, typically used informally to emphasise quality, size, or notability (e.g., a lulu of a problem). Historically also a style of women's dress or a type of cigarette.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Slightly more historical currency in American English as 19th/early 20th-century slang.
Connotations
Humorous, quaint, sometimes suggesting something is notoriously remarkable.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary use in both varieties, considered old-fashioned.
Grammar
How to Use “lulu” in a Sentence
[be] a lulu[have] a lulu[be] a lulu of a [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal conversational use among older speakers or for deliberate humorous effect, e.g., 'That pothole is a real lulu!'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lulu”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Assuming it is a modern, high-frequency word.
- Overusing it, which can sound affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not inherently offensive. It is an informal, slightly old-fashioned term of emphasis, usually humorous.
Yes, it can describe a person who is exceptionally remarkable, amusing, or eccentric, e.g., 'Your uncle is a real lulu.'
It is believed to originate from the late 19th century, possibly a reduplication of 'Lu', a pet form of 'Louise'. It was initially American slang for a remarkable person or thing.
No, the stage name 'Lulu' (born Marie Lawrie) is unrelated etymologically. However, her notable career might be informally described with the word, creating a pun.
An outstanding or remarkable person or thing, often in an amusing or eccentric way.
Lulu is usually informal, dated slang in register.
Lulu: in British English it is pronounced /ˈluː.luː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluː.luː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a singer named Lulu giving an outstanding performance – she's a real 'lulu' on stage.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMARKABLE IS A PERSONIFIED ENTITY (Lulu).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lulu' correctly and idiomatically?