fancy
B2Informal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
To feel a desire or liking for something; to imagine or think. Also used as an adjective meaning elaborate, decorative, or sophisticated.
Refers to ornamental or non-essential design; a capricious or whimsical liking; elaborate or sophisticated in a sometimes showy way; in British English, a fondness or love for someone/something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun can mean 'imagination' or 'a whimsical idea'. The verb primarily means 'to desire' (BrE) or 'to imagine'. The adjective often contrasts with 'plain' (e.g., fancy dress). Its meaning shifts significantly across parts of speech and dialects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a verb, 'fancy' meaning 'to want/desire/like' (e.g., 'Do you fancy a coffee?') is primarily British. In AmE, the verb is less common for desire and more for 'imagine/suppose'. The noun 'fancy' meaning 'whim' or 'liking' is more literary in AmE. The exclamation 'Fancy that!' is used in both.
Connotations
In BrE, 'fancy' (verb) is casual and common for desire. In AmE, the adjective can have a slight negative connotation of being unnecessarily ornate or pretentious.
Frequency
The verb is high-frequency in BrE conversation, mid-to-low in AmE. The adjective is common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fancy + NP (Do you fancy pizza?)fancy + V-ing (Fancy going out?)fancy + (that) clause (I fancy he'll be late.)fancy + reflexive pronoun (He fancies himself a poet.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fancy that!”
- “catch/take your fancy”
- “flight of fancy”
- “tickle your fancy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; potentially in marketing ('fancy goods').
Academic
Rare, except in literary studies discussing 'the fancy' (imagination).
Everyday
Very common, especially in BrE for making offers/suggestions.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Do you fancy a pint after work?
- She really fancies the new guy in IT.
- Fancy seeing you here!
American English
- I fancy him the winner, though the odds are long.
- 'He's late.' 'Fancy that.'
- Can you fancy a world without smartphones?
adverb
British English
- She talks all fancy since she came back from university.
- They were dressed fancy for the gala.
American English
- He writes too fancy for a simple instruction manual.
- The car was fancy painted with custom detailing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She wore a fancy dress to the party.
- Do you fancy an apple?
- I don't fancy going out in this rain.
- The hotel lobby was very fancy with a huge chandelier.
- It was just a passing fancy; he lost interest in guitar after a month.
- He fancies himself as a bit of a comedian.
- The argument was predicated on a mere flight of fancy, not empirical data.
- She dismissed his advances, for she did not fancy him in the slightest.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fancy hat with feathers - it's not plain, it's decorative. Or, in British English, if you FANCY someone, you picture (imagine) yourself with them.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS A CAPRICIOUS FORCE (a passing fancy); SOPHISTICATION IS ORNAMENTATION (fancy clothes).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Translating verb 'fancy' as 'фантазировать' (to fantasize) is often wrong; in BrE it usually means 'хотеть'/'нравиться'.
- The adjective 'fancy' is broader than 'причудливый'; it can mean 'дорогой/шикарный' (fancy car) or 'сложный' (fancy recipe).
- 'Fancy dress' means 'костюм для маскарада/вечеринки', not 'элегантная одежда'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fancy' as a verb for desire in formal AmE contexts.
- Overusing the adjective where 'sophisticated' or 'complex' is better.
- Incorrect: 'I fancy to eat pizza.' Correct: 'I fancy eating pizza.' or 'I fancy pizza.'
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what is the MOST LIKELY meaning of 'Do you fancy him?'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal, especially the verb meaning 'to want/like'. The adjective can be used in neutral contexts.
Yes, but this use is less common and somewhat old-fashioned or literary (e.g., 'I fancy it will rain'). 'Imagine' or 'suppose' are more current.
It refers to a costume worn for a party, like at Halloween or a themed event. It does not mean elegant evening wear.
Because the verb 'fancy' meaning 'to want' is very rare in American English. An American would say 'Do you want a drink?' or 'Would you like a drink?'.