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Frumpy: meaning, definitions and examples

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frumpy

 

[ˈfrʌmpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in fashion

Having a dowdy, unfashionable, or unattractive appearance.

Synonyms

dowdy, outmoded, unstylish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frumpy

Used to describe someone, usually a woman, whose clothing or appearance is outdated or unattractive. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • She felt frumpy in her old, baggy sweater at the stylish party.
  • Despite her kind heart, her frumpy clothes often made her the target of teasing.
dowdy

Describes something unattractive or lacking in style, often referring to clothing or appearance. This word also has a mildly negative tone.

  • His dowdy suit made him stand out in the crowd of fashionable attendees.
  • She was known for her dowdy dress sense, despite her beautiful personality.
unstylish

Used to describe someone or something that lacks fashion or style. It's often a straightforward, descriptive term without strong negative connotations.

  • Despite his unstylish outfit, he got the job because of his impressive skills.
  • Her unstylish haircut didn't bother her because she valued comfort over trends.
outmoded

Used to describe something that is no longer in fashion or generally used. It can refer to not only clothing but also ideas, technology, or practices. Neutral to slightly negative connotation.

  • The outmoded computer could barely run the latest software.
  • The company's outmoded policies were in need of an update.

Examples of usage

  • She always wore frumpy clothes that were several sizes too big.
  • The frumpy old curtains made the room look outdated.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Unattractive in a way that suggests a lack of care or style.

Synonyms

shabby, sloppy, unkempt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frumpy

Describes someone, especially a woman, who is dressed in an old-fashioned or unfashionable way. It can imply that the person looks dowdy or boring.

  • She always wears frumpy dresses that her grandmother used to wear.
  • Despite her frumpy appearance, she was very kind and intelligent.
sloppy

Refers to being untidy, disorganized, or careless in appearance or work. It can describe both clothing and behavior.

  • His sloppy handwriting made it difficult to read the notes.
  • She came to the meeting in a sloppy outfit.
shabby

Describes something that is worn out or in poor condition, often due to use or neglect. It can refer to clothes, furniture, or even places.

  • His coat looked shabby after years of use.
  • They lived in a shabby apartment that needed a lot of repairs.
unkempt

Describes someone or something that is untidy or not well-groomed. It often implies that the person has not taken care of their appearance.

  • He had an unkempt beard and wore wrinkled clothes.
  • Her unkempt garden was overgrown with weeds.

Examples of usage

  • She looked frumpy in her wrinkled dress and messy hair.
  • He felt frumpy in his old, worn-out jeans and faded t-shirt.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated in the 1960s and is thought to be derived from the older term 'frumple,' which means to crumple or wrinkle.
  • Initially, it described someone’s appearance but evolved to include clothing styles that aren't trendy.

Fashion Sociology

  • Frumpy clothing can often reflect a person's lifestyle choices rather than just a lack of style – think comfort over fashion.
  • Cultural perceptions often label women in frumpy attire as less engaged in societal trends, highlighting fashion's role in self-expression.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in various TV shows and movies, often used to depict characters who are out of touch with current fashion.
  • In children's literature, frumpy characters are frequently portrayed humorously, emphasizing the contrast between appearance and personality.

Psychology

  • How people dress, including choices associated with being frumpy, can affect self-esteem and how others perceive them.
  • Research indicates that the clothing we choose can influence our mood and behavior, suggesting frumpy outfits might lead to feeling less confident.

Translations

Translations of the word "frumpy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desleixado(a)

🇮🇳 अल्हड़

🇩🇪 altbacken

🇮🇩 kumuh

🇺🇦 неохайний

🇵🇱 zaniedbany

🇯🇵 だらしない

🇫🇷 débraillé(e)

🇪🇸 descuidado(a)

🇹🇷 pasaklı

🇰🇷 초라한

🇸🇦 غير أنيق

🇨🇿 zanedbaný

🇸🇰 zanedbaný

🇨🇳 邋遢

🇸🇮 zanemarjen

🇮🇸 hroðalegur

🇰🇿 ұқыпсыз

🇬🇪 უხერხემლო

🇦🇿 dəngəsiz

🇲🇽 descuidado(a)

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,314, 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.