First Known Use: 1700
Dictionary
1shilly–shally
adverb \ˈshi-lē-ˌsha-lē\
Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY
: in an irresolute, undecided, or hesitating manner
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Origin of SHILLY-SHALLY
irregular reduplication of shall I
2shilly–shally
adjective
3shilly–shally
intransitive verb
: to hesitate and take a long time to do or decide something
shilly–shall·iedshilly–shally·ing
Full Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY
1
: to show hesitation or lack of decisiveness or resolution
2
: dawdle
See shilly-shally defined for kids First Known Use of SHILLY-SHALLY
1754
4shilly–shally
noun
Definition of SHILLY-SHALLY
First Known Use of SHILLY-SHALLY
1755
Related to SHILLY-SHALLY
- Synonyms
- faltering, fence-sitting, hesitance, hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, pause, shilly-shally, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling (also wabbling)
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Next Word in the Dictionary: shillyshallyerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ShillukAll Words Near: shilly-shally
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