Word of the Day: ‘FRIPPERY’

Pronunciation

frip·pery  /ˈfrɪp.ər.i/

Meaning

Frippery typically refers to showy or unnecessary ornamentation in dress or decoration, often considered superficial or excessive.

Origin

The word frippery originates from Old French, specifically from the word "freperie", which itself comes from the word "frepe", meaning "frill, rag, or old garment".

It also has roots in the mediaeval Latin word "faluppa", meaning "straw or splinter".

Over time, the meaning of frippery evolved to encompass anything silly, unnecessary, or done purely for pleasure, often with a negative connotation.

History

Mediaeval France: The French term ‘friperie’ originally referred to old cloths and cast-off things. These clothes were typically traded by "fripiers" (rag-dealers or secondhand merchants).

Arrival in English (16th century): English borrowed the word frippery around the 16th century.

Shakespeare used the word frippery in "The Tempest" to refer to a place selling used clothes (Act 4, Scene 1):

"Each putter-out of five for one will bring us good warrant of."

Examples from books and articles

“Yes, my husband,” Lady Constance said obediently, rising and gathering the children to her, while her ladies hastily collected embroidery frames, cloaks, and fripperies – The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli

“And we could reserve space to sell paintings and combs and fripperies from France.” – Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Synonyms

  • Baubles
  • Gimcrack
  • Tinsel
  • Finery
  • Ostentation