# wally

/ˈweɪɫi/ (US) · /wˈɒli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wally
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a silly person

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

a person who acts in a silly way or makes a foolish mistake.

For teachers: 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.

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.

### 2. a pickled gherkin

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Dialect · Informal

a large pickled cucumber, often sold in traditional fish and chip shops.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly regional to London and Essex; most English speakers outside these areas will only know the 'silly person' meaning.

## Examples

- I felt like a total wally when I forgot my keys.
- Don't be such a wally; you're wearing your sweater inside out.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.