1824, a back-formation from jollification. Related: Jollified; jollifying. Middle English had jolifen, joleiven "be cheerful, be cheering" (late 14c.); to jolly (v.) is attested from c. 1600.
Entries linking to jollify
jollification n.
"mirth, scene or occasion of merrymaking," 1769, from jolly + -fication "a making or causing." Shortened form jolly (1905) led to phrase get (one's) jollies "have fun" (1957). Spenser has jolliment (1590).