Slang – La-la land.
An imaginary place where people are out of touch with reality. It is a hypothetical place that you visit when you are not paying attention or you are daydreaming. This expression can refer to a person who is zoned out (lacking concentration) or in a state of semi-consciousness.
This phrase can also be used to call out or challenge someone who is making ridiculous claims. A person would have to be living in la-la land to believe such nonsense.
Similar Expressions:
There are a number of expressions with similar meanings – all used to bring attention to a person’s lack of concentration or daydreaming:
- Away with the fairies – “That boy is always away with the fairies.”
- Cloud cuckoo land – “You must be living in cloud cuckoo land!”
- Head in the clouds – “She’s always had her head in the clouds.”
- Out to lunch – “That’s absolutely crazy. You are totally out to lunch.”
- Scatterbrain – “Oh no! I’ve done it again! I’m such a scatterbrain.”
- Space cadet – “I forgot my phone again! I’m such a space cadet.”
La-la land is also sometimes used as a nickname for Los Angeles or Hollywood.
The idiom pipe dream can refer to an unrealistic or impossible dream. If you are pursuing these pipe dreams you are chasing rainbows (idiom). If you are losing your marbles (idiom) you are going crazy!
Example:
- “I do worry about Peter sometimes. I try and have a conversation with him but he’s away in la-la land!”
Learn More
Look it upWiktionary – la-la land: a good evergreen reference for this playful, everyday expression.WiktionaryListen:
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
An imaginary place where someone is out of touch with reality — used for daydreaming, or for believing something unrealistic.
Mostly, but it’s also used affectionately as a nickname for Los Angeles or Hollywood, playing on the city’s glamorous, dreamlike reputation.
Not really — it’s usually said in a light, teasing way rather than as a genuine insult.
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