What does loller mean?
A loller is an informal British or Australian word for a person whom others consider annoying, foolish, or contemptible. The term is often used teasingly among friends or acquaintances, as in “a bit of a loller,” but it can be openly derogatory when directed at someone regarded as a nuisance. Its tone depends heavily on context, relationship, and delivery: it may be playful in a group conversation while sounding harsh in an argument. The word is less common and more strongly associated with British and Australian English than with American English. Because it labels a person negatively, it is unsuitable for formal writing or for describing someone without a sufficiently close and informal relationship. The plural is formed by adding -s.
nounAn informal, disparaging term for a person regarded as annoying, foolish, or contemptible.
- A person regarded as annoying, foolish, or contemptible.
"The whole neighbourhood thought he was a bit of a loller."
"I wish he would stop blocking the corridor like that; he is such a loller."
"Her colleagues dismissed him as a harmless old loller."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The neighbours were always complaining about those lollers."
In British and Australian slang, a loller is not someone who laughs at everything, but someone others consider a nuisance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does loller come from?
The word is formed from “loll,” meaning to sit or lie in a relaxed or lazy manner, with the suffix “-er,” which can indicate a person who performs an action. Although the precise early history of this colloquial sense is not certain, it developed as dismissive slang for an idle, irritating, or foolish person.
How loller is actually used
This is a mildly offensive piece of informal British and Australian slang. It is usually friendly or teasing in familiar contexts but can sound insulting or hostile when used seriously.