frippery

American  

[frip-uh-ree] / ˈfrɪp ə ri /

noun

plural

fripperies

1. finery in dress, especially when showy, gaudy, or the like.

2. empty display; ostentation.

3. gewgaws; trifles.

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frippery British  

/ ˈfrɪpərɪ /

noun

1. ornate or showy clothing or adornment

2. showiness; ostentation

3. unimportant considerations; trifles; trivia

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Etymology

Origin of frippery

1560–70; < French friperie, Old French freperie, equivalent to frepe rag + -erie -ery

Explanation

Frippery is something showy but trivial. You might think you need a feather boa, but your sister might say it’s just frippery. Frippery comes from the French word friperie for "old clothes,” and originally, frippery referred to old, trashy and maybe even tawdry clothes. From there, the word spread to include other kinds of things that aren't worth much. Often, frippery refers to nonsense, or language that is empty and just a lot of hot air. Use this word when you want to say something is showy but ultimately empty of value.

Example Sentences

He preferred plain clothes, once requesting that his tailor make his new suits “as free from tawdriness, & Frippery as possible.”

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2013

A witty Woman conceited, looks like a handsome Woman set out with Frippery: Aw'dw.

From The Female Wits by Anonymous

Frippery which would be discarded in England is often useful in India.

From The Magnificent Montez From Courtesan to Convert by Wyndham, Horace

Nay, dear sometimes have bought the Frippery stuff.

From The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume III by Summers, Montague

Frippery, frip′ėr-i, n. worn-out clothes: the place where old clothes are sold: useless trifles.—adj. useless: trifling.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various