Foible: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the French 'foible,' meaning 'weak' or 'weakness.'
• In swordsmanship, 'foible' refers to the weaker part of the blade, showing its connection to vulnerability.
• Originally used in English in the 17th century, it has evolved to mean personal quirks.

Literature

• Foibles are often used in character development, adding depth and relatability to protagonists.
• Classic literary works frequently highlight characters' foibles to evoke humor or sympathy.
• Authors like Jane Austen frequently incorporated characters' small flaws to satirize social norms.

Psychology

• Understanding one's own foibles can lead to greater self-acceptance and emotional intelligence.
• People often find foibles endearing, which strengthens interpersonal connections in social situations.
• Cognitive biases often manifest as foibles, demonstrating how human behavior can be influenced by mistakes.

Pop Culture

• Reality shows often showcase contestants' foibles, making them more relatable and engaging to viewers.
• Comedians frequently use foibles as a source of humor in their routines, drawing laughter from shared human experiences.
• In movies, lovable characters who have quirky foibles often become iconic, like Marge Simpson's blue hair and eccentric habits.

This word's position of #34,151 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

• ...
• 34148 fatuity
• 34149 lampoon
• 34150 tarnishing
• 34151 foible
• 34152 reinvesting
• 34153 womanish
• 34154 naughtiness
• ...