fie-fie
Definition
- Adjective (dated, informal):
- Unseemly or improper: "fie-fie" describes something that is considered socially inappropriate, scandalous, or worthy of shame.
- Shameful or disgraceful: The term conveys strong disapproval of behavior or situations that are morally objectionable.
Usage Examples
- (They considered it improper and scandalous.)
- (His behavior was shameful and inappropriate.)
- (It was considered disgraceful to discuss them.)
Advanced Usage
- "to cry fie-fie upon": to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something.
- The moral reformers cried fie-fie upon the new dance hall. (They publicly denounced it as improper.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fie (interjection): an exclamation of disgust or disapproval, often used in older English.
- Fie upon you for telling such a lie! (Shame on you!)
- Fie-fie (noun, rare): a person who behaves in a scandalous way.
- She was known as a fie-fie among the strict townsfolk. (A person of questionable morals.)
Synonyms
- Improper: not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior.
- Scandalous: causing general public outrage by violating moral or social norms.
- Disgraceful: bringing shame or dishonor.
- Unbecoming: not fitting or appropriate for a person's character or status.
Related Idioms
- Fie for shame!: an old-fashioned exclamation expressing that something is disgraceful.
- Fie for shame! How dare you speak so rudely to your elders! (That is shameful behavior.)