Definition

Noun: 1. Something showy but trivial or of little real value: Refers to an object, ornament, or detail that is overly elaborate, gaudy, or ostentatious but lacks substance, seriousness, or worth. 2. Frivolous or trivial matter: Can describe an idea, concern, or piece of writing that is superficial, insubstantial, or lacking in depth.

Usage and Examples

• The bride's dress was elegant, but she removed all the frippery—the sequins, lace, and bows—for a more classic look.
• He dismissed the philosophical debate as mere intellectual frippery, arguing it had no bearing on real-world problems.
• The critic argued that the novel's ornate descriptions were just literary frippery, masking a weak plot.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The term often carries a connotation of disapproval or disdain, suggesting the thing described is not only trivial but also tastelessly showy or unnecessarily decorative.
• It can be used figuratively for non-physical things, such as styles of speech, writing, or thought, that are seen as overly embellished and empty of meaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Fripperies (plural noun): Often used to refer collectively to various small, showy, trivial items or decorations.
  • The room was cluttered with the fripperies of a bygone era.

Synonyms

• Trinket: A small ornament or item of jewelry that is of little value.
• Bauble: A small, showy trinket or decoration.
• Frivolity: Lack of seriousness; lightheartedness, or a trivial thing.
• Ostentation: Pretentious and vulgar display intended to impress.
• Gewgaw: A showy thing, especially one that is useless or worthless.

Antonyms

• Essential: Absolutely necessary; extremely important.
• Substance: The most important part or meaning of something; material of a particular kind.
• Sobriety: The quality of being serious, solemn, or plain in style.

Idiomatic Expressions

• To dismiss something as frippery: To reject or disregard something as being trivial and worthless.
  • The engineer dismissed the designer's aesthetic suggestions as mere frippery.

Noun

1. something of little value or significance