Frippery: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Middle French term 'fripperie,' which referred to a shop selling old clothes and fancy decorations.
• In the 16th century, it was used in English to describe trivial or showy items in fashion.
• It originally described excessive embellishments that were considered frivolous or superficial.

Fashion

• Frippery is often found in high fashion, where designers may prioritize style over function in designs.
• Historical periods, like the Rococo era, were known for their excessive frippery in clothing and art.
• Besides clothing, frippery can refer to any kind of elaborate decoration in home decor, illustrating style trends.

Literature

• Authors often use the term to describe characters obsessed with appearance and frivolity, adding depth to character studies.
• In classic literature, the concept of frippery conveys critiques of societal norms that prize superficial beauty over substance.
• Frippery appears in plays and novels, symbolizing characters who lack depth or seriousness.

Cultural Perceptions

• In many cultures, frippery is associated with vanity and a lack of practicality, prompting reflections on values.
• The concept often contrasts with minimalism, where less is seen as more, promoting utility over decorative excess.
• In social contexts, individuals who indulge in frippery may be seen as less serious or focused on materialism.

Modern Usage

• In contemporary settings, frippery can refer to meme culture or trends that prioritize style over meaningful content.
• The term is sometimes humorously used in social media to describe overly elaborate posts that are light on substance.
• Frippery can critique consumer culture, questioning the value of excess in a world where content is constantly produced.

Ranking #36,848, 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.

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