What does shillyshally mean?
Shillyshally is a verb that means to behave in a hesitant or indecisive manner, often in a way that is annoying or frustrating to others. It can be used to describe someone who is taking their time to make a decision, or someone who is being indecisive and annoying. The word is often used in a negative sense, but it can also be used in a more neutral sense. Shillyshallying can be a frustrating experience for those around the person, but it can also be a natural part of the decision-making process. The word is often used in British and American English, and it is a useful word to know when describing someone who is being indecisive or hesitant.
verbTo behave in a hesitant or indecisive manner, often in a way that is annoying or frustrating to others.
- To behave in a hesitant or indecisive manner, often in a way that is annoying or frustrating to others.
"She's been shillyshallying about what to wear to the party all morning."
"She's been shillyshallying about what to wear to the party all morning."
"He's been shillyshallying about whether to ask for a raise."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shillyshally
The word shillyshally is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and it is likely derived from the words 'shilly' and 'shally', which mean 'to hesitate' or 'to dawdle'. The word has been used in English since the 1600s, and it has been used to describe someone who is being indecisive or hesitant since the 1700s.
Usage notes
This verb is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is being indecisive or annoyingly hesitant. It can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe someone who is simply taking their time to make a decision.