General
dolly
What does dolly mean?
As a term of endearment, 'dolly' could stand alone for a sweet or good-looking person.
"Come here, you dolly thing."
Origin
Polari of mid-20th-century Britain; 'dolly' meaning pretty draws on the English affectionate 'dolly' (sweetheart/doll) and is listed among core Polari adjectives by Paul Baker.
Frequently asked questions
What does dolly mean in Polari?
It means pretty, nice or charming, as in 'your dolly old eek'.
Is Polari 'dolly' the same as 'dolly bird'?
They share the 'dolly' = attractive idea, but Polari's use pre-dates the 1960s 'dolly bird' slang.
How was dolly used?
To describe anything lovely — a person, an outfit, a home — often affectionately.
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