Bally

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈbæli/

Definitions

1. An informal term used for emphasis or exaggeration while also describing something that is characterized by or containing spherical shapes
2. A colloquial expression indicating high degree or intensity that may also refer to objects shaped like balls or spheres
3. Used as a casual intensifier to express strong feeling ; connected to or resembling round, ball-like forms

Etymology: Its intensifying sense is a euphemism. "Bloody" was felt to be a strong oath, so speakers altered its sound to "bally", which let them express strong feeling without the offensive word, as in "bally fool". The other sense, the one meaning round or ball-like, has a separate history. It is a clipping of "balaclava", the close-fitting knitted head covering, with the suffix "-y" added.

Synonyms: blasted, damned, cursed, confounded, wretched