Foppish: meaning, definitions and examples

👔
Add to dictionary

foppish

 

[ ˈfɒpɪʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

fashion, demeanor

Foppish refers to a man who is excessively concerned with his appearance, clothing, or manners, often to the point of being pretentious or vain. This term typically implies not just a stylish appearance but an exaggerated one that draws attention and is somewhat affected.

Synonyms

dandy, elegant, fancy, showy

Examples of usage

  • He walked into the room with a foppish flair that turned heads.
  • The actor is known for his foppish wardrobe choices on the red carpet.
  • With his foppish mannerisms, he seemed to belong in a different era.

Word origin

The term 'foppish' arises from the late 17th century, originating from the word 'fop', which was used to describe a foolish or silly man, particularly one who is overly concerned with fashionable appearance. The derivation traces back to an earlier English term, 'foppe', which conveys a sense of a simpleton or dandy. Foppery, closely related, encapsulated behaviors associated with excessive concern for one's looks. The 'foppish' stereotype flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries through literature and theatre, symbolizing a critique of superficiality and vanity prevalent in fashionable society. Works of authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens often examined or parodied foppish characters, highlighting societal norms and the role appearance played in social standing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,137, 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.