wallflower

American  

[wawl-flou-er] / ˈwɔlˌflaʊ ər /

noun

1. a person who, because of shyness, unpopularity, or lack of a partner, remains at the side at a party or dance.

2. any person, organization, etc., that remains on or has been forced to the sidelines of any activity.

   The firm was a wallflower in this year's bidding for government contracts.

3. a European plant, Cheiranthus cheiri, of the mustard family, that, when growing wild on walls, cliffs, etc., has sweet-scented, usually yellow or orange flowers, but when cultivated has flowers varying in color from pale yellow to brown-red or purple.

4. any of several related plants of the genera Cheiranthus and Erysimum.

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wallflower British  

/ ˈwɔːlˌflaʊə /

noun

1. Also called: gillyflower.  a plant, Cheiranthus cheiri, of S Europe, grown for its clusters of yellow, orange, brown, red, or purple fragrant flowers and naturalized on old walls, cliffs, etc: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

2. any of numerous other crucifers of the genera Cheiranthus and Erysimum, having orange or yellow flowers

3. informal a person who stays on the fringes of a dance or party on account of lacking a partner or being shy

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Etymology

Origin of wallflower

First recorded in 1570–80; wall + flower

Explanation

A wallflower is someone who's so shy that they typically stand or sit alone rather than engage with a larger group. If you tend to be introverted and a bit awkward at parties, you might describe yourself as a wallflower. A botanist would tell you that wallflowers are actual flowers; a relative of the cabbage, wallflowers are native to southern Europe and grow tiny blossoms of various colors. Figurative wallflowers are even more varied, including introverts, people with social anxiety, and extremely reserved folks. The stereotypical wallflower stands against the wall at a party, too shy to ask someone to dance. This meaning dates back to at least 1820.

Example Sentences

Already established cinematically with films like "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "Mystic River," Bell's groundbreaking disclosure propelled such depictions into a tragically realistic context.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2024

Did she know Wallflower air fresheners were going on sale?

From Washington Post • Dec. 22, 2022

Miller, who uses "they" and "them" as personal pronouns, is known for their roles in Perks of a Wallflower, Trainwreck and the hugely successful Fantastic Beasts franchise.

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2022

She named the flower, the Tolowa Coast Wallflower, after the people who have been here all along.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2021

In English, we’re starting to read The Great Gatsby, which I only like because Charlie’s also reading it in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

Related Words

• observer