Newfangled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the combination of 'new' and a Middle English term 'fanglen', which means to be fond of something.
• It emerged in the 19th century, originally used to criticize things that were seen as unnecessary or overly complicated.
• The word suggests a sense of novelty mixed with a hint of skepticism about its usefulness.

Technology

• In the tech industry, the term often describes the latest gadgets or technologies that may seem unnecessary to some.
• Many startups pride themselves on being 'newfangled', indicating a focus on cutting-edge innovation.
• Newfangled technologies, like artificial intelligence, can often provoke debate about their implications and need.

Cultural Usage

• The term often has a playful or sarcastic tone, typically used by older generations to mock the trends embraced by younger ones.
• In literature, characters might use 'newfangled' in dialogue to express their bewilderment at modern customs.
• Fashion is often labeled 'newfangled' when it deviates from traditional styles, highlighting the ever-changing nature of trends.

Psychology

• People often experience discomfort with 'newfangled' ideas due to cognitive biases that favor familiarity over novelty.
• The 'novelty effect' explains how new experiences can temporarily enhance engagement and attention but might lead to fatigue later.
• Fear of the unknown can make individuals resistant to newfangled concepts, often leading to conflict in social or professional settings.

Literature

• Various authors, such as Charles Dickens, have used 'newfangled' in their works to depict societal changes and attitudes toward progress.
• The word often appears in the context of critiques of modernity in classic literature, questioning the advancement compared to traditional values.
• Use of 'newfangled' in poems and novels can emphasize the divide between old and new, creating rich themes of conflict.

This word's position of #33,758 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33755 irrelevancy
• 33756 napped
• 33757 carnelian
• 33758 newfangled
• 33759 checkmate
• 33760 implacably
• 33761 civet
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