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Frump Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frump

[frÊŒmp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fashion

A frump is a person who dresses in a dull or unattractive way, typically out of date or unfashionable.

Synonyms

slattern, slob, sloven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frump

Best describes a person, usually a woman, who dresses in an old-fashioned or unflattering way. It doesn't necessarily imply that the person is dirty, just that their style or appearance is out of date.

  • She looked like a frump in that outdated dress.
  • Despite her wealth, she dressed like a frump, ignoring the latest fashions.
sloven

Refers to a person who is habitually messy, untidy, or careless in their appearance and habits. This term is slightly old-fashioned and not as commonly used.

  • The house was in disarray because he was a sloven who never bothered with housekeeping.
  • Her sloven habits were evident from the clutter on every surface.
slob

Describes someone, regardless of gender, who is messy and careless about their appearance or surroundings. It's less harsh than 'slattern' but still carries a negative implication.

  • He was a complete slob, never cleaning up after himself.
  • Her desk was so cluttered that everyone thought she was a bit of a slob.
slattern

Refers to a woman who is not only untidy but also dirty in her personal habits. This term carries a strong negative connotation and can be seen as quite offensive.

  • Her room looked like it was owned by a slattern, with clothes and trash everywhere.
  • People started to talk about her as a slattern because she never washed and kept her surroundings filthy.

Examples of usage

  • She always looked like a frump in her old-fashioned clothes.
  • Don't be a frump, try to keep up with the latest trends in fashion.
Context #2 | Noun

personality

A frump is a person who is dull, dowdy, or unattractive in appearance or behavior.

Synonyms

dowdy, drab, plain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frump

Refers to someone who dresses in an old-fashioned or unfashionable way. Often used negatively to describe women who are perceived as lacking style.

  • She felt like a frump in her grandmother's hand-me-downs.
  • Don't be such a frump—try on this new dress!
dowdy

Used to describe clothing or appearance that is unfashionable, unstylish, or lacking in elegance. Often involves dull, outdated, or poorly fitting clothes.

  • The dowdy curtains in the living room really need an update.
  • Her dowdy outfit made her look much older than she was.
plain

Used to describe something that is simple, without decorative elements, or not striking in appearance. It can be neutral or slightly negative, depending on the context.

  • She wore a plain white t-shirt and jeans to the meeting.
  • The room was decorated in plain, unadorned furnishings.
drab

Describes something that is dull, lacks color, or is monotonous. Can refer to clothing, decor, or even the mood in a room.

  • The drab walls of the office made it a depressing place to work.
  • She wore a drab gray dress to the party, which didn't stand out at all.

Examples of usage

  • She may seem like a frump at first, but she has a great sense of humor.
  • Don't judge a book by its cover, she's not just a frump.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Representation

  • Frumpy fashion has often been portrayed in media as a humorous stereotype, particularly in films and television, where characters embody outdated styles to elicit laughter.
  • In the fashion world, frumpiness is frequently used as a term to describe clothing that lacks sophistication or creativity, often contrasting youthful or trendy attire.

Psychology

  • People labeled as frumpy might be perceived as lacking confidence, as their clothing choices can reflect their self-image or reluctance to engage with current trends.
  • Social identity theory suggests that those who dress in a frumpy manner may align with certain social groups that reject mainstream fashion norms.

Literature

  • Characters depicted as frumpy often serve to highlight the contrast between societal expectations of beauty and the protagonist's more modern or vibrant style.
  • Classic novels sometimes include frumpy characters to critique societal norms and the superficial judgments based on appearance.

Fashion Trends

  • The frumpy look has seen periods of revival in fashion history, particularly during movements that embrace retro styles and comfort over trendiness.
  • In recent years, emphasis on 'normcore' has blurred lines between stylishness and frumpiness, celebrating a casual, unpretentious aesthetic.

Origin of 'frump'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the early 19th century and is thought to derive from 'frumpish,' which described an antiquated style.
  • It was likely influenced by the word 'frumpet,' which meant a scolding woman, adding to its connotation of being boring or unfashionable.

The word 'frump' originated in the early 18th century and is believed to be of imitative origin, mimicking the sound of a gust of wind or a sudden shower. Over time, it evolved to describe a person who is old-fashioned or dowdy in appearance. The term has since been used to refer to both fashion and personality traits, often in a pejorative manner.

See also: frumpy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,817, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.