Blowsy: meaning, definitions and examples

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blowsy

 

[ ˈblaʊ.zi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

informal usage

Blowsy refers to someone or something that is untidy, unkempt, or disheveled in appearance. It can also imply a slightly coarse or vulgar personality. The term is often used to describe a woman who is too loud or overly brazen.

Synonyms

disheveled, messy, sloppy, unkempt

Examples of usage

  • She looked a bit blowsy after the long flight.
  • His blowsy demeanor made him stand out in the crowd.
  • The blowsy decor of the room gave it a sense of chaos.

Translations

Translations of the word "blowsy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desleixada

🇮🇳 बिगड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 untadelig

🇮🇩 kusut

🇺🇦 неохайний

🇵🇱 niechlujny

🇯🇵 乱れた

🇫🇷 négligé

🇪🇸 desaliñado

🇹🇷 dağınık

🇰🇷 흐트러진

🇸🇦 فوضوي

🇨🇿 nepořádný

🇸🇰 neporiadny

🇨🇳 邋遢的

🇸🇮 neurejen

🇮🇸 óreiðulegur

🇰🇿 бұзылған

🇬🇪 გაუგებარი

🇦🇿 dağınıq

🇲🇽 desaliñado

Etymology

The word 'blowsy' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Scottish term 'blawsy', which is related to the word 'blow'. The literal meaning relates to blowing flowers or plants, suggesting a state of being blown about or disordered. Over time, the term evolved to describe untidy or disheveled appearances, particularly in a context that carries informal or casual connotations. Its usage has often been attributed to the portrayal of characters in literature and media, where blowsy women are depicted as slightly outrageous, loud, or lacking in refinement. The nuance of the word can carry an undercurrent of disapproval, suggesting not just physical appearance, but also a lack of propriety or decorum.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,540, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.