jolly
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A marine in the English navy.
Register: dated, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I'm a Jolly — 'Er Majesty's Jolly — soldier an' sailor too!
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A word of praise, or favorable notice.
Register: archaic, slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “jolly” mean?
A marine in the English navy.
Is “jolly” formal or informal?
jolly is generally dated, slang.