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Definition 2024


ballyrag

ballyrag

English

Alternative forms

Verb

ballyrag (third-person singular simple present ballyrags, present participle ballyragging, simple past and past participle ballyragged)

  1. (transitive) To harass, badger, taunt, or abuse verbally.
    • 1904, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, The House by the Church Yard, ch. 29:
      . . . the Duchess of Belmont, that ballyrags every one round her, like a tipsy old soldier.
    • 1921, P. G. Wodehouse, Three Men and a Maid, ch. 16:
      "I remember you as a boy, Samuel," said Mrs. Hignett, "lamentably lacking in consideration for others and concentrated only on your selfish pleasures. . . ."
      "Don't ballyrag the poor man," said Jane Hubbard.

References