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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

dill pickle en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Etymology

From dill + pickle.

Meanings

  1. A cucumber pickled in brine or vinegar flavored with dill and other seasonings.
  2. (US, dated, slang) A foolish person.
    • One famous American company employs such “dill pickles” only in their purchasing division. 2015, Ján Košturiak, Everyday Reflections, page 20:
    • "Ah—" he exclaimed angrily, "somebody tell me why I don't quit you, you big dill pickle!" 2012 [1917], Robert W. Chambers, The Dark Star, page 96:
    • Wasn't I the big dill-pickle to stake 'em to a Greek revolution. 2010 [1918], Robert W. Chambers, The Laughing Girl, page 278:
    • He’d make a spanking fine husband, but Anna’s no dill pickle. She knows marriage means obedience. 2017 November 13, Jennifer Kincheloe, “Jupiter! Why I Love 1900s Slang”, in Criminal Element:
    • Shortribs Enlivens Court Proceedings by Calling Beany a “Dill Pickle” 1977 [c. 1908], Harry Conway Fisher, edited by Bill Blackbeard, A. Mutt, a Complete Compilation, 1907-1908, page 47:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
dill pickles Number=Plur lexicographic

Synonyms

pickle (pickled cucumber) · fool (foolish person) · dill (pickled cucumber) · gherkin (pickled cucumber)