The word jolly can be used as either a noun or an adjective.

• A jolly is an event which is perceived to be more enjoyable than useful, and is perhaps a freebie too
• A jolly can mean "very", as in a "jolly good show"
• A jolly is a party or celebration.

Usage

Usage of the word "jolly" as an adjective is perceived to be an archaism.

As a name

• Jolly is a name that is found in some name books. It is listed as an "unusual" name and shares the same meaning as the French name, Jolie. It is derived from the Old French word, "joli" that means "merriness."
• The name is quite popular in Southern India where the French once visited and settled. It is also used as a result of the British presence.
• Jolly is a unisex name in South India.

Other usage

• Jolly is commonly used in those parts of the world where the British have colonized.
• When interviewed, a South Indian man said "jolly" also meant "star" and "innocence." It is not clear what was meant by this use.
• In parts of Jamaica, people use the term in expressions.
• In Chaucer's day, the word expressed different shades of meaning. (See "Joly")
• Jolly or Joly is also a common surname in many parts of the world.

Recently, I looked in an older dictionary and found that Jolly may have possible origins in the German and Norwegian languages. More on this soon...!

See also history for the word, "YULE"