Here's a breakdown of its possible origins:
* "Baile" in Irish Gaelic: The most likely origin is the Irish word "baile," which, as mentioned, means "town" or "village." This word likely came into use in English as a way to refer to something or someone associated with a specific place, like a town or village.
* Use in phrases: It's then believed that "bally" became an intensifier, used to emphasize a word or phrase. Examples of this are phrases like "bally well" or "bally good."
* Informal use: Over time, "bally" became a part of informal British slang, often used in humorous or exasperated contexts.
It's worth noting that there are other possible origins for the word, including theories that it originated from the Latin word "balneum" (meaning "bath") or the Irish word "bal" (meaning "mouth"). However, the Irish Gaelic "baile" is the most widely accepted origin.
Ultimately, the exact origin of "bally" is uncertain, but its Irish Gaelic origins are the most likely and widely accepted explanation.