We've also got "dilly-dally." The base word "dally" came in from Old French hundreds of years ago and meant to chat idly. Over time "dally" picked up other meanings such as to toy with things or spend time idly. By the 19th century we get "dilly dally." "Dilly dally" is an example of reduplication.

Why is it dilly dally and not dally dilly?

So it seems that “dillydally” isn't related to the “carriage” or “coach” meaning of the word “dilly.” Instead, it comes from “dally,” and the ad agency that came up with “dilly dilly” was on to something—“dilly” is just fun to say, so it showed up when people applied reduplication to “dally.” Other words formed from ...

What does dilly Dailed mean?

to waste time, especially by being slow, or by not being able to make a decision: Don't dilly-dally - just get your bags and let's go! Synonyms. procrastinate.