Little Lord Fauntleroy

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Definition

Proper noun 1. A character archetype: Refers to an excessively polite, well-mannered, and immaculately dressed young boy, often perceived as being unnaturally refined or genteel for his age. 2. A cultural reference: Denotes a person, especially a boy, whose behavior or appearance is reminiscent of the titular character from Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1886 novel Little Lord Fauntleroy, characterized by courtesy, elaborate clothing, and a certain old-fashioned formality.

Usage Examples
  • As a proper noun (character archetype):
    • With his perfect manners and velvet suit, the child was a veritable Little Lord Fauntleroy.
    • He scolded his son for acting like a Little Lord Fauntleroy instead of playing roughly with the other boys.
  • As a descriptive reference:
    • The politician's Little Lord Fauntleroy persona appealed to some voters but seemed out of touch to others.
    • She dressed her nephew in such fine clothes that he looked like Little Lord Fauntleroy himself.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used pejoratively or with mild disapproval to suggest that a boy is spoiled, pretentious, or not robust and active in the way typically expected.
  • It can be applied metaphorically to an adult male whose fastidiousness or formality seems childish or affected.
    • The new manager, with his insistence on archaic protocols, was called a Little Lord Fauntleroy behind his back.
Variants and Related Words
  • Fauntleroy (noun): A shortened, sometimes more direct form used as a synonym.
    • Stop being such a Fauntleroy and get your hands dirty.
  • Lord Fauntleroy suit (noun phrase): A specific style of boy's clothing popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a velvet jacket, a broad lace or ruffled collar, and often knee-length trousers, inspired by the character's attire.
Synonyms
  • Dandy (though this typically refers to an adult man)
  • Fop
  • Milksop (archaic)
  • Mollycoddle
  • Pretty boy (colloquial)
Related Idioms & Phrases
  • To play the Little Lord Fauntleroy: To affect the manners or style of the archetype.
    • For the formal tea party, he knew he had to play the Little Lord Fauntleroy for his grandmother's sake.
Noun
  1. an excessively polite and well-dressed boy

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