frillies

A dancer adjusts her frillies before stepping on stage.

Definition

1. Noun (plural only):
   • Decorative undergarments: "frillies" refers to women's undergarments, especially those that are frilly, lacy, or ornamented, often worn for aesthetic appeal rather than purely functional purposes. This term is informal and colloquial.

Usage Examples

• (Decorative, lacy undergarments.)
• (Ornamented undergarments.)

Advanced Usage

• "to wear frillies": to wear decorative undergarments, often implying a playful or seductive intent.
  • She felt confident wearing frillies under her evening gown. (She wore lacy undergarments for a special occasion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Frilly (adj): having many frills or ruffles; ornate.
  • The frilly dress was popular at the party. (The dress had many decorative ruffles.)
• Frill (n): a decorative strip or trim, often on clothing; also used metaphorically for unnecessary extras.
  • The blouse had delicate frills on the cuffs. (Decorative trims.)
• Frilliness (n): the quality of being frilly or ornamented.
  • The frilliness of the curtains matched the Victorian decor. (The ornate, ruffled quality.)

Synonyms

• Lingerie: women's undergarments, often elegant or seductive.
• Undies: informal term for underwear.
• Knickers: British informal term for women's underpants.

Related Idioms

• No frills: plain, simple, without unnecessary extras.
  • This hotel is no frills, but it's clean and comfortable. (Basic, without decoration or luxury.)

Notes on Usage

• "Frillies" is always used in the plural form and is informal. It often carries a connotation of novelty, playfulness, or romantic context. It is less common in modern everyday speech but appears in nostalgic or humorous contexts.