“Bally” is usually an informal word used in British English to mean “very” or “extremely.” It is often used to add emphasis, especially in older or humorous speech.
In everyday use, people may say it to make a statement stronger, like “bally good” or “bally annoying.” It sounds a bit old-fashioned, so you are more likely to hear it in books, films, or playful speech than in modern conversation.
Meaning & Usage
“Bally” works as an intensifier, which means it increases the force of a word it describes. For example, “bally cold” means “very cold.”
Examples
“It’s a bally mess.”
“That was a bally good idea.”
“I’m bally tired today.”
Is “bally” a polite word?
Yes, it is generally mild and not considered rude. It is often used as a softer substitute for stronger swear words.
Is “bally” still common today?
Not really. It is mostly old-fashioned, but people still use it for style, humor, or emphasis.
What does “bally” mean in British English?
In British English, it usually means “very” or “extremely,” especially in informal or playful speech.
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