Fringy

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting unusual or avant-garde characteristics or aesthetics
2. Having a decorative edge made of threads or fabric strips ; showing traits that deviate from common or traditional stylistic norms
3. Possessing a border of dangling material along the edge ; reflecting an offbeat or unorthodox pattern or manner

Etymology: "Fringy" is a plain formation: the noun "fringe" with the adjective-forming suffix "-y," which turns a noun into a word meaning "having or characterized by" that noun. So a fringy jacket is one decorated with fringe, and the same suffix produces words like "bushy," "leafy," and "milky." The noun "fringe" has a longer and more layered past. It came into English from Old French "frenge," which traces back to Latin "fimbria," meaning a border or edging, and the same Latin root gives us "fimbriate," a botanical term for a fringed edge. The word thus has been associated with edges and borders for centuries before anyone attached it to hanging threads or strands.

Synonyms: fringed, bordered, edged

Antonyms: plain, unadorned, smooth