lollies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lollies" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to lollipops or candy, often in informal contexts or when speaking to children. Example: "The party was a hit, especially with the kids who loved the colorful lollies on the dessert table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Newspapers, including this one,  are quick to print pictures of people sunbathing, animals eating giant ice lollies or children playing in fountains when it's sunny; and beautiful woodland scenes, hills dotted with tobagganists and snowmen on park benches when it's freezing.

Independent

Some schools, such as Colham Manor Primary School in Hillingdon, have sought to alleviate the problem by dishing out ice lollies to pupils once a day, it emerged yesterday.

Independent

We've gone nuts about pretty much everything coconut, from coconut water and ice lollies to milk, yoghurt, ice cream, nectar, sugar, fresh chunks, flakes, even flour.

Independent

People say, "Photorealism: why don't you just take a photo of it?" But it's about taking something mundane, like the lollies she paints, and elevating it to the status of something more.

Independent

The offer runs until 22 November or until all lollies are claimed.

Independent

Don't offer an alternative of chips, biscuits or lollies, or they'll know you'll cave in next time.

Independent

Reaching the end of their lives, they cling to the beginnings: how the sea and sand once inspired them to run like dogs across the sun-mirrored mirage of the beach and eat Sky Ray lollies watching the distant sails of yachts.

Independent

Here, Tintin and Asterix speak foreign languages, ice lollies carry exotic names such as "Brrr" rather than dull old Magnum and wearing a swimming hat and briefs is the (sometimes compulsory) norm.

Independent

All along the promenade, children were playing ball games and licking ice lollies, though few were venturing into the wild Atlantic and its perilous, swirling currents.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As I cruised along the 270-mile Helgelandskysten Route that skirts the shoreline from Bodo to Bronnoysund, the scent of barbecues drifted over garden fences as people wandered along the streets clutching ice-lollies.

Independent

Opposite the ADO bus station, you'll find Flor de Michoacan, where you can sip great coffee in a sunny green courtyard and slurp delectable fruit paletas (ice-lollies).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lollies" in informal contexts to create a friendly and approachable tone, particularly when writing for children or in casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "lollies" as a catch-all term for all types of sweets. While it can refer to lollipops and ice pops, it's not appropriate for describing chocolates or hard candies that are not on a stick.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lollies" is as a plural noun. Ludwig AI identifies it referring to multiple items of confectionery, typically lollipops or ice pops, as evidenced by examples showing children eating ice "lollies" or shops selling chocolate "lollies".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lollies" is a common and generally accepted term, predominantly used in British English, to refer to lollipops or ice pops. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while cautioning that its informality makes it less suitable for formal writing. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, often related to children or leisure activities. For more formal or international audiences, alternatives like "lollipops" or "ice pops" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lollipops

Refers specifically to hard candies on a stick, a more precise term than "lollies".

ice pops

Specifically refers to frozen lollies, offering a cold treat alternative.

sweets

A general term for candies, including lollies, offering a broader category.

candies

Similar to "sweets", but slightly more formal and encompassing a variety of confections.

confectionery

A formal term for sweets and candies, including lollies, suitable for professional contexts.

frozen treats

Focuses on the frozen aspect of some lollies, highlighting the temperature rather than the form.

suckers

An alternative term for lollipops, primarily used in American English.

treats

A general term for enjoyable food items, including lollies, used in a broad sense.

candy sticks

Describes the form of some lollies, focusing on the stick element.

sugar candies

Highlights the sugar content, useful when discussing dietary aspects of lollies.

FAQs

What exactly are "lollies"?

"Lollies" primarily refer to lollipops or ice pops, especially in British English. The term can be broader, encompassing various types of sweets or candies on a stick, but it's essential to consider the regional context.

Is it appropriate to use "lollies" in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's generally better to use more specific terms like "lollipops" or "ice pops" to avoid ambiguity. "Lollies" is often considered an informal term more suitable for casual conversation or writing for children.

What can I say instead of "lollies"?

You can use alternatives like "lollipops", "ice pops", or "sweets" depending on the specific type of candy you're referring to.

Are "lollies" the same as "candies"?

While "candies" is a broader term that encompasses all types of sweets, "lollies" typically refers to candies on a stick, such as lollipops. Therefore, while all "lollies" are candies, not all candies are "lollies".