Definition

Lighthearted, playful, or gently foolish in a way that's often endearing rather than mean-spirited; lacking seriousness without being malicious.

Example Usage

The kids were being silly, running around in circles and giggling uncontrollably.

Origin

From Old English 'selig' (blessed, innocent), which evolved to mean simple or harmless, then took on the modern sense of playfully foolish.

Fun Fact

Silliness is actually beneficial for children's cognitive development and social bonding, according to developmental psychologists.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Beginner

suri

A word that applies to children, usually female, born to parents who are thought to be crazy. Comes from Suri Cruise, who was born to Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, the world's most famous scientologist (see scientology). Note that while the word 'Suri' applies to the child it does not necessarily mean that the child is crazy. The label 'Suri' shouldn't been used as a derogatory remark.

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the skeld

The default Among Us map that absolutely nobody wants to leave, despite having perfectly good alternatives like Mira HQ and Polus gathering digital dust. It's the map equivalent of always ordering the same thing at a restaurant.

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ykwim

you know what I mean

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aiamu

and I'm a monkey's uncle

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Intermediate

mothersucker

A family-friendly (or at least less-offensive) stand-in for 'motherfucker,' typically deployed by overly polite people or those raised Catholic who are experiencing genuine emotional distress. It's the profanity equivalent of saying 'gosh darn.'

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Advanced

sention

An obscure internet-era term for someone who avoids online communication and instead engages in physical activities, particularly acrobatics. It's essentially the opposite of an extremely online person, though the backflip specificity makes this deeply niche.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

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