Foppish / adjective / fop·​pish

We use the term “foppish” as an adjective in the English language. It started out denoting the behavior of people we see as foolish or silly. After the 16th century, “foppish” took on a new meaning to represent the characteristics of men who are overly concerned with their clothing and outer appearance. We imagine that “foppish” people spend more time getting dressed than others because nothing is more important to them than how they appear to others.

In a Sentence

The “foppish” gentleman held up the line at the store while he was adjusting his clothing.

The word “foppish” used to mean foolish or silly until we changed its meaning.

“Foppish” people place a higher value on their appearance than their attitude.

Etymology

“Foppish” entered language in a now-obsolete form of the word, which meant foolish or silly. We introduced “foppish” as an adjective in English at the end of the 15th century in 1599. Since its addition to language, “foppish” has changed its definition from representing foolishness or silliness to representing a specific style of dress. This fashion-related term denotes men who are more concerned with their outer appearance than cultivating a positive inner attitude.

Synonym

Refined, Campy

Antonym

Naïve, Unrefined