General
peely-wally
What does peely-wally mean?
Looking pale, wan or off-colour, as if unwell.
"Ye're awfy peely-wally the day — are ye no' well?"
Origin
Scots, from 'peelie' (a thin, gaunt person) and 'wally', connected to 'palie' (sickly) and English 'pale'; recorded from the early 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'peely-wally' mean?
Looking pale, wan and off-colour, as if you are unwell or run down.
How is 'peely-wally' used?
Usually to comment on someone's sickly appearance, as in 'Ye're awfy peely-wally the day, are ye no' well?'
Where does 'peely-wally' come from?
It is Scots, built from 'peelie' (a thin, gaunt person) and 'wally', tied to 'palie' (sickly) and English 'pale', recorded from the early 19th century.
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