A young schoolboy daydreams next to a giant clock

A Diller A Dollar

A diller, a dollar, a ten o’clock scholar!
What makes you come so soon?
You used to come at ten o’clock;
Now you come at noon.

Listen as female British:

Listen as female American:

Listen as told in a story:

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Meaning

This brief rhyme gently mocks a perpetually tardy pupil, once late but now arriving at school even later. The phrase “ten o’clock scholar” is a playful jab, highlighting an unreliable or inattentive student. The rhyme humorously aims to encourage punctuality and attention, reflecting the importance of routine and discipline in early education.

Origin

“A Diller, A Dollar” is traced to northern England, attested since at least the 19th century though likely older in oral tradition. The terms “diller” and “dollar” are dialect words for a slow or poor learner, making the rhyme both regional and pedagogical.

Time Period

19th century, with versions documented in Victorian and Edwardian nursery collections.

Why It Became Popular

Its catchy rhythm, direct message, and memorable alliteration made it well-suited for recitation in classrooms and homes. The rhyme’s moral lesson about timeliness is easily conveyed in a compact and playful way.

Structure and Style

Meter: Sing-song, regular meter
Rhyme Scheme: AABBA
Line Count: Five lines
Style Notes: Mocking, didactic, brief

Themes

Punctuality and tardiness
Classroom behavior
Discipline and learning
Humor in education

Language Notes

“Diller” and “dollar” are regional English words meaning a slow or dull person; “scholar” refers humorously to the child’s supposed learning.

Moral or Lesson

Tardiness brings gentle public mockery, and changing habits is noticed—encouraging timely behavior and attentiveness.

Historical or Cultural Notes

Traditionally recited to children who lag behind on the way to school, the rhyme served as both gentle rebuke and encouragement. It appears in major illustrated Mother Goose volumes.

Notable Variants

The rhyme occasionally changes the last line to “And now you come at noon,” but the essential structure remains the same.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Featured in “The Real Mother Goose” (1916), “The Little Mother Goose” (1912), and numerous classroom anthologies and read-aloud books for young children.

Suggested Activities

Role Play: Act out the journey to school and the consequences of being late.
Discussion: Explore why punctuality matters, using the rhyme as a fun introduction.
Creative Writing: Invite children to create their own variations with other school routines.
Chanting Game: Recite in a group, emphasizing different words or rhythms.

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