English Explanatory Dictionary

shilly-shally

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To procrastinate.
  2. To vacillate.
adj
  1. Indecisive; wavering.
noun
  1. Indecision; irresolution.

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɪliˌʃæli/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-shilly-shally.wav

Word forms

shilly-shally shilly-shallies shilly-shallying shilly-shallied shilly and shally more shilly-shally most shilly-shally

Etymology

A reduplication of shall I? An older form was Shill-I-shall-I.

Related words

dilly-dally

Derived words

shilly-shallier stand shilly-shally
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