British informal term for an umbrella, a portable covering held over the head to protect from rain or sun.
Shortened form of 'umbrella,' originating in British slang around the early 20th century. The diminutive '-y' suffix made it playful and informal, helping it persist in everyday British speech.
The British love of brollies inspired a completely different slang term than Americans use—while Americans say 'umbrella,' British people adopted 'brolly' so completely that it's now the standard casual word even though it started as baby-talk shortening.
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