English edit

Etymology edit

From the slang phrase "what's the deal, yo?" meaning "what's going on?". Originates from Lethal Weapon 2: "what's the deal Leo?" (South African accent) 1989

Noun edit

dillio (uncountable)

  1. (US, slang) The deal; that which is current, relevant, or taking place.
    • 1998, Chris, “Sound Advice....”, in news.newusers.questions (Usenet):
      I am having an incredibly time getting my sound recorder to work and would appreciate any possible insight available. Here's the dillio, the microphone is properly hooked up to the sound card. I can hear the sound through the PC speakers and the microphone volume is up just loud enough to fend off the steady stream of feedback.
    • 2003, Dexter Jeffries, Triple Exposure:
      "That's the dillio." Tosha, sensing that this version of the story would take too long, cut her off.
    • 2007, Kirsten Sawyer, Not Quite a Bride:
      "What's the dillio? I just saw you! Call me."

Usage notes edit

dillio is always preceded by the. Since it takes the place of "deal, yo", the word is rarely encountered in mid-clause.