frow
Very RareArchaic, Dialectal, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A Dutchwoman or a woman from the Netherlands (archaic). More commonly, a slovenly or untidy woman (chiefly dialectal or archaic).
As a dialectal/archaic term, it can imply a disagreeable, ill-tempered, or scolding woman. Also used historically for a housewife or mistress of a household in Dutch contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a highly obscure word with two distinct but related historical meanings: the neutral Dutchwoman and the pejorative, untidy woman. It is not used in modern standard English and would be encountered only in historical texts or dialectal studies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally obsolete in both varieties, but the pejorative/dialectal sense may have survived marginally longer in some UK regional dialects.
Connotations
The 'Dutchwoman' sense is neutral/historical. The 'slovenly woman' sense is pejorative and dated.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary corpora for both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + frowVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in contemporary use”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies discussing archaic or dialectal vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used. Would be incomprehensible to most speakers.
Technical
Not used in any modern technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No verb usage.
American English
- No verb usage.
adverb
British English
- No adverb usage.
American English
- No adverb usage.
adjective
British English
- No adjective usage.
American English
- No adjective usage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is too rare for A2 level.
- This word is too rare for B1 level.
- In the 17th-century diary, he referred to his neighbour's wife as 'the old frow'.
- The term 'frow', denoting a Dutchwoman, fell out of use by the 19th century, while its dialectal pejorative counterpart lingered in isolated regions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FROWN on the face of a disapproving, untidy woman (a FROW).
Conceptual Metaphor
WOMAN AS DISORDER (for the pejorative sense): Untidiness personified as a female figure.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вдова' (widow). The sound is similar but meanings are unrelated. It is not a common English word and should not be actively learned for production.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming it is a modern word; using it in contemporary speech or writing; confusing it with 'frown' (the facial expression).
Practice
Quiz
The word 'frow' is best described as:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or dialectal. It is not part of active modern vocabulary.
Historically, it meant a Dutchwoman. More commonly in surviving dialect use, it meant a slovenly or untidy woman.
Only if you are writing about historical language or specific dialects, and you must clearly define it. In all other contexts, it would be inappropriate and confusing.
It is pronounced like 'frown' without the 'n', rhyming with 'cow' (/fraʊ/).