Froufrous

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of decorative detail that is often excessive or extravagant and commonly found in fashion
2. Elaborate and often flamboyant trims or frills that enhance the visual appeal of garments or accessories
3. Delicate and fancy fabric decorations that add flair to apparel

Etymology: "Froufrous" is the plural of "froufrou," so it names frilly trimmings in the same way that the singular names one. The base word is French, where "froufrou" is an imitative formation: its sound copies the soft rustle of silk, taffeta or stiff petticoats moving against each other. That origin is why the word feels so physical, since it began as a noise before it became a name for the ruffles and bows that make such noise. The sense of the word has drifted from the sound toward the decoration itself. Over time it came to describe the fussy, feminine ornament that a rustling garment carries, so that a dress described as full of froufrous is one loaded with extra ribbons, ruching and lace. The plural form works as a collective, gathering up all those small ornaments into one bundle of fuss.

Synonyms: frills, ruffles