Street
wally
What does wally mean?
A foolish or ineffectual person; a mild insult.
"Don't stand there like a wally, give us a hand."
Origin
1960s British slang; popular legend traces it to a lost festival-goer named Wally being chanted for by crowds.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'wally' mean?
It's a gentle British insult for someone who's a bit silly, clumsy or inept.
How do you use 'wally'?
You'd say something like 'don't be a wally' or 'stop standing there like a wally' — it's light-hearted and rarely harsh.
Where does 'wally' come from?
It emerged as 1960s British slang. A well-known story ties it to crowds at festivals chanting for a lost man named Wally, though this is folklore rather than proven fact.
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