tolly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (C2)Informal, colloquial, playful; obsolete/dated in some senses.
Quick answer
What does “tolly” mean?
A chiefly British term for a long, cylindrical piece of plastic or wood, used especially by children as a toy or for play-fighting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chiefly British term for a long, cylindrical piece of plastic or wood, used especially by children as a toy or for play-fighting.
Can refer informally to a tally stick or marker; a children's toy sword. In computing/internet culture, a nickname for 'tol' (a troll-like character).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'toy sword' sense is exclusively British (likely regional). The term is virtually unknown in American English. The modern internet usage is internationally known only within very specific communities.
Connotations
UK: Nostalgic, childish, dated. US: No connotation due to lack of recognition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. If encountered in the UK, it's likely generational (older speakers) or in specific regions.
Grammar
How to Use “tolly” in a Sentence
play with a [tolly]hit [someone] with a [tolly][adjective] [tolly]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tolly” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was tollying about in the garden.
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as adverb)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as adjective)
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in historical studies of toys/childhood.
Everyday
Very rare; used only by older generations in specific UK contexts referring to childhood play.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tolly”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a standard term for any stick.
- Using it in American English where it is unrecognized.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and largely obsolete word, primarily found in certain regional dialects of British English.
No, it is far too informal and obscure for academic writing. Use a standard term like 'toy sword' or 'stick'.
Possibly in one archaic sense (a tally stick), but the more common historical use is for a child's play weapon.
It is often a nickname or username, or a reference to specific internet culture characters (e.g., 'Tol' from certain forums/games), not the traditional English word.
A chiefly British term for a long, cylindrical piece of plastic or wood, used especially by children as a toy or for play-fighting.
Tolly is usually informal, colloquial, playful; obsolete/dated in some senses. in register.
Tolly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not tolly enough to... (archaic/non-standard, implying lack of courage or suitability for a fight)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'lolly' (lollipop) that you 'toll' (swing like a bell) like a sword → Tolly.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STICK IS A SWORD (for imaginative play).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'tolly' (meaning a toy sword) most likely to be found?