foppery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (rare in modern usage)Formal, literary, sometimes humorous or archaic
Quick answer
What does “foppery” mean?
affected or excessive attention to dress and appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
affected or excessive attention to dress and appearance; dandyism
frivolous behavior or trivial concerns characteristic of a fop; more broadly, any foolish or trivial thing
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more historical/literary currency in British English due to the archetype of the English fop/dandy. In American English, it is almost exclusively encountered in historical contexts or deliberate archaisms.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties: strongly negative, suggesting ridiculous vanity and triviality.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech for both. Might appear marginally more often in UK historical novels or period dramas.
Grammar
How to Use “foppery” in a Sentence
[subject] dismissed it as mere foppery.The [era/age] was known for its foppery.His [behavior/appearance] was pure foppery.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foppery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Archaic 'to fop' exists but is obsolete.]
American English
- [No standard verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'foppery'. 'Foppishly' is derived from 'foppish'.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- His foppery manners were a source of amusement at the club.
American English
- The actor's foppery costume was perfect for the period piece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Could appear metaphorically in critical commentary: 'The board dismissed the new branding as corporate foppery.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies discussing manners, fashion, or gender in periods like the Restoration or Regency.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously or insultingly: 'Enough with the foppery, just put on a normal coat.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foppery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foppery”
- Misspelling as 'foppary' or 'fopprey'.
- Using it to describe modern, acceptable fashion sense rather than excessively affected historical style.
- Confusing it with 'foppish' (the adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, somewhat archaic word. It is primarily encountered in historical, literary, or humorous contexts.
Historically, 'fop' and 'foppery' were almost exclusively applied to men. In modern usage, while stretching the term, it could theoretically describe similar affectation in anyone, but it would be an unusual and potentially confusing choice.
They are very close synonyms. 'Foppery' is more pejorative, implying foolish vanity and triviality. 'Dandyism' can carry a more neutral or even positive connotation, relating to a refined philosophy of dress and self-presentation.
No, the word is inherently negative and critical. To express admiration for stylish dress, words like 'elegance', 'style', or 'sartorial elegance' would be used.
affected or excessive attention to dress and appearance.
Foppery is usually formal, literary, sometimes humorous or archaic in register.
Foppery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒp(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːpəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'foppery']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FOP (a vain man) + PER (for each) + Y (why?). Why? Because for each outfit, the fop asks 'why not?' leading to ridiculous FOPPERY.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARING ABOUT APPEARANCE IS A TRIVIAL PURSUIT / SUPERFICIALITY IS FOOLISHNESS
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'foppery' be LEAST appropriate?