Pally

/ˈpæli/ adjective

Definition

Friendly and familiar in a way that suggests close friendship or camaraderie.

Etymology

From 'pal,' which comes from Romani 'phral' meaning 'brother,' combined with the suffix '-y' to make an adjective. The word entered English in the 1800s as slang for friend.

Kelly Says

The word 'pal' traveled from Indian Romani language through London street culture into everyday English—it's one of the few words we use that directly comes from the Romani people, showing how languages borrow from unexpected sources.

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