In Appalachian and Southern talk, "lollygaggin’" (sometimes written "lollygagging") means dawdling, wasting time, or goofing off instead of working. It’s playful, but usually said with a hint of scolding.
If I ask one of the kids to do something, chances are I'll catch 'em 'lollygaggin'' at some point. And I'll call 'em out using that word.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If I ask one of the kids to do something, chances are I'll catch 'em 'lollygaggin'' at some point. And I'll call 'em out using that word.
Pronunciation
[LAH-lee-gag-in]
Meaning & Usage
- Dawdling, wasting time (verb)
On the farm
Mae:
Y’all been lollygaggin’ all morning.
Earl:
We was just takin’ it slow.
- Goofing off, not being serious (verb)
At work
Ruby:
Quit lollygaggin’ and help stack that wood.
Estel:
Alright, alright - I’m on it.
variations: lollygag
★ "Lollygaggin’" is often used playfully, but usually by someone who thinks you oughta be working faster or harder. ★
Origin and Etymology
First recorded in American English in the mid-1800s, "lollygag" meant to dawdle or fool around. Its exact origin is uncertain, but the word quickly spread through Southern and Appalachian speech as a scolding term.
Usage Notes
You’ll hear "lollygaggin’" from parents, grandparents, and bosses - anyone in charge of folks dragging their feet. Still common today, often used half serious, half joking.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it lively: "LAH-lee-gag-in." The last "g" drops away, and it comes out quick, like a word meant to snap somebody back into action.
Yes, though often with a playful or old-fashioned tone.
Does it mean the same as "dilly-dallyin’"?
Pretty close - both mean wasting time - but "lollygaggin’" can sound sharper.
Where is it most common?
In Appalachia, the South, and rural America, but it shows up in general American English too.
Is "lollygaggin’" always negative?
Not always - sometimes it’s just a joking way to say someone’s moving slow.
How to Cite This Page
APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Lollygagging. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/lollygagging/
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Lollygagging." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/lollygagging/.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Lollygagging." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/lollygagging/.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...
If I ask one of the kids to do something, chances are I'll catch 'em 'lollygaggin'' at some point. And I'll call 'em out using that word. 
