Blandsome

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting an alluring yet subdued charm that fails to stand out distinctly
2. Characterized by an understated attractiveness that is gentle and easy on the eyes without being particularly striking
3. Showing a gentle appeal that is pleasing without drawing much attention

Etymology: "Blandsome" is a blend of "bland" and "handsome," the two words fused so that each half pulls on the other. "Bland" traces back to Latin "blandus," meaning flattering or soothing, which is a gentler sense than the modern one of dull or flavourless. "Handsome" has the older sense of being handy or skilful before it came to mean good-looking, so the blend joins a word about smooth pleasantness with one about appealing looks. The result is a compliment that is also a faint criticism. Someone called blandsome is attractive in a way that never quite becomes striking, pleasant enough to notice without being memorable. The blend works because the two halves cancel each other's edges: "handsome" lifts "bland" above plain dullness, while "bland" drains "handsome" of its punch.