Something remarkable, outstanding, or extraordinary, often used ironically. Can also be a feminine given name or refer to something problematic or troublesome.
American slang from late 19th century, possibly from 'Lulu' as a nickname for Louise. The slang usage likely developed from the idea that someone named Lulu was remarkable or noteworthy. Alternative theory suggests it's from Arabic 'lu'lu'' meaning pearl.
The transformation of 'Lulu' from a sweet nickname to slang for 'something extraordinary' shows how personal names can become metaphors for entire concepts. It's the same linguistic process that gave us 'john' for toilet and 'jimmy' for crowbar.
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