Word
wally
Phoneticswal·ly
US/ˈweɪɫi/
UK/wˈɒli/
Definitions
01a silly person
n. a person who acts in a silly way or makes a foolish mistake.
n. a person who behaves in a foolish or clumsy manner; typically used as a mild, non-aggressive insult.
“I felt like a total wally when I realized my sweater was on backwards.”
“He made a bit of a wally of himself by tripping over the only cable on the stage during his presentation.”
British English · Informal
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'a bit of a wally' or 'a total wally'.
Teaching tip
This is a very mild term. It is much softer than 'idiot' and is often used between friends to point out a clumsy mistake without causing offense.
02a pickled gherkin
n. a large pickled cucumber, often sold in traditional fish and chip shops.
n. a large pickled gherkin or cucumber, specifically one served in traditional London or Essex eateries.
“He ordered a large fish, chips, and a wally on the side.”
“The traditional chippy in East London still serves a wally with every large order of battered cod.”
British English · Dialect · Informal
Teaching tip
This sense is highly regional to London and Essex; most English speakers outside these areas will only know the 'silly person' meaning.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/wally