noun Uncommon

Derry

DEH-ree

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Derry (noun) means a feeling of dislike toward someone or something (chiefly in the phrase "have a derry on"). Example: “She's had a derry on him ever since he borrowed her bike and never returned it.”

noun

A feeling of dislike toward someone or something (chiefly in the phrase "have a derry on").

"She's had a derry on him ever since he borrowed her bike and never returned it."

interjection

A nonsense refrain sung as filler in old folk songs, with no literal meaning.

"The chorus went "hey down, derry down" between each verse."

How to use Derry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a mild grudge against someone, or the nonsense "la-la" filler words in old folk-song choruses.

When to use it

The "dislike" sense is dated Australian/New Zealand slang; the song-refrain sense is a leftover from traditional English and Irish ballads.

Common pairings

have a derry on

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Derrys

Test yourself on “Derry” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She's had a _____ on him ever since he borrowed her bike and never returned it.

Etymology

This comes from Irish Doire, from doire ("oak grove"), which goes back to Old Irish daire ("oak forest"), from Proto-Celtic *daru.

Origin: Irish

Rhymes for Derry

berry Kerry ferry Jerry merry terry perry Gerry cherry sherry bilberry barberry

See all rhymes for Derry →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Derry” mean?

The word “Derry” means a feeling of dislike toward someone or something (chiefly in the phrase "have a derry on"). In plain terms, either a mild grudge against someone, or the nonsense "la-la" filler words in old folk-song choruses.

How do you pronounce “Derry”?

“Derry” is pronounced DEH-ree (/ˈdɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “Derry” in a sentence?

Here is “Derry” used in a sentence: “She's had a derry on him ever since he borrowed her bike and never returned it.”

What part of speech is “Derry”?

Depending on how it is used, “Derry” can be a noun and an interjection.

Is “Derry” a common word?

“Derry” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Derry” have?

“Derry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of dislike toward someone or something (chiefly in the phrase "have a derry on").