See also: la-di-da and lah-de-dah

English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

c. 1880s, with a comeback in the 1980s due to its use in Annie Hall (1977) by Woody Allen, although in a different context, spoke by the actress Diane Keaton.[1][2]

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˌlɑːdiːˈdɑː/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɑː

Adjective edit

lah-di-dah (comparative more lah-di-dah, superlative most lah-di-dah)

  1. (Britain, derogatory) Of or from the upper class of society.
  2. (Britain, 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 edit

The adjectival usage is not common in the US.

Translations edit

Interjection edit

lah-di-dah

  1. (mildly derogatory) Expression of disdain for pretension or haughtiness.
    Well, lah-di-dah, mister Park Avenue manicure.
  2. (US) Not a care in the world. (used in a sing-song voice, for childhood rhymes)

References edit

  1. ^ Gary Martin (1997–), “Lah-di-dah”, in The Phrase Finder.
  2. ^ la-di-da at Google Ngram Viewer