Fustian: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
fustian
[ หfษs-chษn ]
literary term
Fustian refers to a type of fabric that is made from cotton and linen, often used in the production of clothes. It is also used metaphorically to describe overly pompous, inflated, or pretentious language, particularly in writing. The term implies a lack of genuine substance, emphasizing style over content. As such, it is often seen in critiques of writing that seeks to impress rather than communicate effectively.
Synonyms
bombast, grandiloquence, inflated language, rhetoric
Examples of usage
- The poet's fustian language obscured the meaning of the poem.
- His speech was full of fustian, lacking real depth.
- She avoided fustian in her writing to ensure clarity.
- The article was criticized for its fustian prose rather than engaging insights.
Translations
Translations of the word "fustian" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fustรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเคธเฅเคเคฟเคฏเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Fustian
๐ฎ๐ฉ fustian
๐บ๐ฆ ัััััะฐะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ fustian
๐ฏ๐ต ใใกในใใฃใขใณ
๐ซ๐ท fustian
๐ช๐ธ fustian
๐น๐ท fustian
๐ฐ๐ท ํธ์คํฐ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุณุชูุงู
๐จ๐ฟ fustian
๐ธ๐ฐ fustian
๐จ๐ณ ็ฒๅธ
๐ธ๐ฎ fustian
๐ฎ๐ธ fustian
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัััััะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แคแฃแกแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fustian
๐ฒ๐ฝ fustian
Etymology
The word 'fustian' originates from the Middle English term 'fustian', which referred to a coarse cloth, especially one made of cotton. It was derived from the Old French 'fustaine', which in turn came from the Latin 'fustinus', meaning 'made of a kind of cloth'. The fabric was historically used for garments and as a general term for textiles. Over time, the meaning of fustian expanded to include any language or writing style that was grandiose or pretentious, reflecting a broader cultural critique of artifice in expression. This evolution highlights how the perception of substance and style has shifted in literary communities, solidifying 'fustian' as a cautionary term for communication that values showiness over genuine understanding.