Meaning & Definition of word "Silly"

Silly

/ˈsɪli/

noun:

  • 1. A silly person; someone lacking in seriousness.
    • Example: He is such a silly, always joking around during meetings.

adjective:

  • 1. Having or showing a lack of common sense or judgment; absurd and foolish.
    • Example: It was silly of her to think that she could run a marathon without any training.
  • 2. Lacking seriousness or value; trivial.
    • Example: The children's silly games brought laughter to the party.
  • 3. Playfully frivolous or affectionate.
    • Example: He made a silly face to make the baby giggle.

Etymology

Old English 'sælig', meaning 'happy' or 'blessed'; evolved to mean 'innocent' and later 'foolish'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

silly goose:

A playful term for someone who is being foolish or silly.

silly season:

A period of time when news is less serious or significant, often filled with lighthearted stories.

silly string:

A novelty aerosol product that sprays out a stream of colored string.

Related Words

fool:

A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.

nonsense:

Foolish or absurd behavior or ideas.

clown:

A comedian; someone who acts silly or foolishly to entertain.

Slang Meanings of silly

Meaning: Airhead

Example Sentence: Don't be such an airhead; that idea won't work.

Meaning: Goofball

Example Sentence: He's such a goofball when he gets around his friends.

Meaning: Dipstick

Example Sentence: Only a dipstick would do something that reckless.