What does joll mean?
Joll is an uncommon word associated chiefly with Scottish English. As an adjective, it describes a person, occasion, or atmosphere as merry, lively, and cheerful, carrying a warm sense of conviviality rather than mere amusement. As a noun, a joll is a merrymaking or festive drinking occasion, often one involving music, conversation, and company. The word has a slightly old-fashioned character and may appear in Scottish writing, literary dialogue, or descriptions of traditional social gatherings. It is related in origin to jolly, which remains a familiar English word, but joll itself is now largely confined to regional, archaic, or deliberately traditional usage. Its value lies in preserving the older idea that festivity is communal: a joll is not simply a party, but an occasion marked by shared merriment and sociability.
Merry, lively, or cheerful; convivial.
"A joll crowd gathered outside the tavern."
Chiefly Scottish and now uncommon in general English.
A merrymaking, celebration, or festive drinking occasion.
"They made a joll of the occasion."
Chiefly Scottish and old-fashioned; especially associated with convivial or drinking celebrations.
The plural is rare and chiefly appropriate when referring to separate festive occasions.
"The village was known for its jolls and gatherings."
From a merry Scottish gathering to a jolly good time, joll preserves an old celebration-loving spirit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does joll come from?
The word entered English from Old French jol, an adjective meaning merry, gallant, or attractive. This was associated with Latin jocundus, from a wider Indo-European root associated with play, joking, or amusement. The Scottish noun developed in the sense of a merrymaking or festive occasion, while the adjective came to convey cheerfulness and high spirits.
Related word forms
How joll is actually used
Joll is chiefly associated with Scottish English and is uncommon in standard modern English. The noun is especially old-fashioned and usually denotes a convivial celebration or drinking occasion.
Easily confused with joll
Joll is chiefly Scottish and now uncommon, whereas jolly is a standard English adjective and is also commonly used in the expression jolly good.