What does telly mean?
Telly is a colloquial term primarily used in British English to refer to a television set or television in general. It is often used in informal contexts, such as in conversation with friends or family, and is not typically found in formal writing. The term is thought to have originated from the word 'television', and is often used interchangeably with 'TV'. While it is not commonly used in American English, it may be recognized or used by some American English speakers, particularly in reference to British culture. Overall, telly is a useful and interesting word that provides insight into the nuances of language use in different regions and contexts.
nounAn informal or colloquial term for a television set.
- A television set
- Television in general
"I'm going to watch the football match on the telly tonight."
"I'm going to watch the football match on the telly tonight."
"The telly's been on all day, just background noise."
The plural form 'tellys' is sometimes used, particularly in informal contexts.
"I've got two tellys in my house, one in the living room and one in the bedroom."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of telly
The term 'telly' is a shortened form of 'television', which originated in the late 19th century from the Greek words 'tele', meaning 'far', and 'vision', meaning 'sight'. The term 'television' was first used in the 1920s to describe the technology of transmitting images over long distances, and 'telly' emerged as a colloquialism in British English in the mid-20th century.
How telly is actually used
Telly is a colloquial or informal term, commonly used in British English. It is not typically used in formal writing or in American English.