gol·li·wog noun orgol·li·wogg\ˈgälēˌwäg, -liˌ-\ (-s) Etymology: after Golliwogg, an animated doll in books for children written by Bertha Upton died 1912 American writer and illustrated by Florence Upton died 1922 American portrait painter and illustrator 1.: a grotesque black doll < among the dappled rocking horses and golliwogs — Osbert Sitwell > 2.: a grotesque person < she gave one the impression of some blonde golliwog — Ion Braby >