noun Uncommon

willy

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Willy (noun) means a childish or informal British word for the penis. Example: “The toddler ran around the garden with no trousers on, giggling about his willy.”

noun

A childish or informal British word for the penis.

"The toddler ran around the garden with no trousers on, giggling about his willy."

A mildly insulting British slang term for a foolish person.

"Stop being such a willy and just apologize."

How to use willy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBritish informal slang — either a childish word for the penis, or a mild insult meaning "idiot".

When to use it

Very informal/slang; mainly used in British English, often in a joking or childish tone.

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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: willies
Third person singular: willies
Past tense: willied
Comparative: willier, more willy
Superlative: williest, most willy

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The toddler ran around the garden with no trousers on, giggling about his _____.

Etymology

From Middle English willy, willi, equivalent to will + -y. Cognate with Dutch willig (“obedient, hearsome”), German willig (“willing”), Swedish villig (“willing, agreeable”).

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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dork silly billy johnson wee-wee

Related words

johnson idiot fool penis jerk pee vagina puddle

Rhymes for willy

silly filly billy tilly hilly Milly dilly Lilly Jilly gilly chilly Reilly

See all rhymes for willy →

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to call someone a willy in British slang?

Calling someone a willy in British slang is a mild insult meaning they're being foolish or silly. It's a lighthearted rather than harsh put-down.

Is willy used the same way in American English?

Willy is chiefly British slang; American English doesn't commonly use it in either the childish anatomical sense or the mild insult sense for a foolish person.

What is the meaning of willy?

"willy" (noun) means a childish or informal British word for the penis.

What is another word for willy?

Other words for "willy" include dork, silly billy, johnson, wee-wee.

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