lah-di-dah
See also: la-di-da and lah-de-dah
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editc. 1880s, with a comeback in the 1980s due to its use in Annie Hall (1977) by Woody Allen, although in a different context, spoken by the actress Diane Keaton.[1][2]
Pronunciation
editAdjective
editlah-di-dah (comparative more lah-di-dah, superlative most lah-di-dah)
- (British, derogatory) Of or from the upper class of society.
- (British, derogatory) Affecting upper-class or superior airs.
- Synonyms: pretentious, snooty; see also Thesaurus:arrogant
- She was all la-di-da, with her nose in the air, and we were all struggling not to laugh because that would be gauche.
Usage notes
editThe adjectival usage is not common in the US.
Translations
edithaving pretension or haughtiness
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Interjection
edit- (mildly derogatory) Expression of disdain for pretension or haughtiness.
- Well, lah-di-dah, mister Park Avenue manicure.
- (US) Not a care in the world. (used in a sing-song voice, for childhood rhymes)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Gary Martin (1997–) “Lah-di-dah”, in The Phrase Finder.
- ^ la-di-da at the Google Books Ngram Viewer.
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