shilly shally etymology

Etymology and Origin

The word "shilly-shally" is a reduplication of "shilly," an archaic form of "shill," meaning "to look askance, to squint" or "to play tricks." The reduplication suggests hesitation or indecision, as if looking to one side and then the other.

The term first appeared in the 16th century, derived from Middle English "schillen" and Old English "scillan," meaning "to squint." It evolved into the reduplicated form "shilly-shally" in the 17th century, gaining the meaning of "to hesitate or waver."

Meaning

• Verb: To hesitate, waver, or be indecisive.
• Noun: An instance of hesitation or indecision.

Usage Examples

• I can't stand people who shilly-shally when making decisions.
• The board of directors was shilly-shallying over the budget proposal.
• After hours of shilly-shallying, he finally agreed to meet with his rival.

Synonyms

• Hesitate
• Waver
• Dither
• Vacillate
• Stall
• Fence-sit

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