shillyshally: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (archaic/literary)Literary, Humorous, Old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “shillyshally” mean?
To hesitate or be indecisive, especially in a wavering, procrastinating manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hesitate or be indecisive, especially in a wavering, procrastinating manner.
To spend time in idle indecision; to vacillate or dither. Can also refer to the act or state of indecision itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more recognized in British English due to historical literary usage, but very rare in both modern varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a connotation of mild criticism or impatience with someone's dithering. The sound of the word itself is often considered humorous or quaint.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary use. Found primarily in older literature, period dramas, or used deliberately for stylistic/humorous effect.
Grammar
How to Use “shillyshally” in a Sentence
shillyshally (intransitive)shillyshally over [something]shillyshally about [doing something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shillyshally” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- For heaven's sake, man, make a decision! Stop shillyshallying and pick a pudding.
- The committee shillyshallied for weeks before finally approving the modest budget.
American English
- Quit shillyshallying and tell us if you're in or out.
- She shillyshallied over the car colors for so long that the model sold out.
adjective
British English
- His shillyshally approach to the negotiations frustrated everyone.
- We can't afford any more shillyshally tactics; we need action.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely. Would sound archaic and odd in modern business communication.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in literary analysis or historical texts discussing characterization.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used jokingly to chide someone for taking too long to choose, e.g., at a restaurant.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shillyshally”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shillyshally”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Misspelling as 'shilly-shally' (hyphenated is an acceptable variant).
- Using it as a noun when a verb is needed ("He shillyshallied" not "He did a shillyshally").
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic, literary, or humorous. It is very rarely used in everyday modern English.
Yes, though less common than the verb. As a noun, it means 'indecisive behaviour' (e.g., 'an end to the shillyshally').
It is a reduplication and alteration of the question 'Shall I?' from the earlier phrase 'shill I, shall I', emphasizing hesitation.
Both 'shillyshally' and 'shilly-shally' are accepted, though the unhyphenated form is more common in modern dictionaries.
To hesitate or be indecisive, especially in a wavering, procrastinating manner.
Shillyshally is usually literary, humorous, old-fashioned in register.
Shillyshally: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪliˌʃæli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪliˌʃæli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No more shillyshally!”
- “To shillyshally is to lose the moment.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone named 'Shilly' who can't decide and keeps asking 'Shall I?' - 'Shilly, shall I?' becomes 'shillyshally'.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDECISION IS PHYSICAL WAVERING/BACK-AND-FORTH MOTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'shillyshally'?