Frumpish: meaning, definitions and examples

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frumpish

 

[ ˈfrəmpɪʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

description of style

Frumpish refers to a style or manner that is somewhat dowdy or unfashionable. It often describes clothing or an appearance that lacks modernity or flair, conveying a sense of being out of touch with current fashion trends. The term is often used to characterize individuals whose dressing or grooming appears conservative or outdated. A frumpish look may give the impression of being elderly or overly conservative, suggesting a personality or attitude that does not embrace change or novelty.

Synonyms

dowdy, old-fashioned, unfashionable.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a frumpish dress that seemed to be from decades ago.
  • His frumpish attire made him stand out in the trendy crowd.
  • The decor of the house was frumpish, filled with old-fashioned furniture.
  • Her frumpish hairstyle did not match the vibrant colors of her outfit.

Translations

Translations of the word "frumpish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desleixado

🇮🇳 बेतरतीब

🇩🇪 schmuddelig

🇮🇩 kotor

🇺🇦 недбалий

🇵🇱 niechlujny

🇯🇵 だらしない

🇫🇷 négligé

🇪🇸 desaliñado

🇹🇷 dağınık

🇰🇷 지저분한

🇸🇦 مُهمل

🇨🇿 zanedbaný

🇸🇰 zanedbaný

🇨🇳 邋遢的

🇸🇮 neurejen

🇮🇸 sóleygt

🇰🇿 бұзылған

🇬🇪 უშლაპო

🇦🇿 qarışıq

🇲🇽 desaliñado

Etymology

The word 'frumpish' originates from the noun 'frump,' which has roots in the early 19th century, possibly derived from the dialect word 'frumple,' meaning to wrinkle or crumple. Initially, 'frump' referred to a woman who was dressed in a dowdy or unfashionable manner, likely connoting a sense of disapproval for such style. Over time, the adjective 'frumpish' emerged to describe anything relating to this style or demeanor. The connotations associated with 'frumpish' often carry a sense of nostalgia for past fashions, highlighting societal attitudes towards appearance and propriety. It captures the tension between modern style and traditional values, often used in a humorous or critical context.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,665, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.