Frou-frou refers to something considered showy, ostentatious, or excessively embellished, particularly in relation to clothing or ornamentation. It often implies a fussy or overly elaborate style, sometimes suggesting a lack of genuine substance or practicality. The term can also describe a rustling or swishing sound, frequently associated with the movement of fine fabrics like silk or satin, evoking a sense of luxury and feminine elegance. Ultimately, the term captures an aesthetic of excessive ornamentation or sound, perceived by some as delightful and by others as gaudy or frivolous.
Frou-frou meaning with examples
- The debutante's ball gown was pure frou-frou, with layers of tulle, cascading ruffles, and enough sequins to illuminate a small city. Her entrance was a spectacle; the frou-frou of her dress announced her arrival from across the ballroom, almost a caricature of wealth. Critics often dismissed this style as superficial and lacking genuine elegance or creativity, and it wasn't everyone's taste.
- In Victorian literature, the descriptions of upper-class women often included detailed mentions of their frou-frou attire. This was considered an aspect of societal status that spoke of wealth and leisure. The sound of the ladies' skirts rustling with frou-frou as they moved through the drawing-room created an auditory experience that helped to heighten the image of femininity and elegance.
- The interior designer, known for his minimalist approach, shuddered at the sight of the frou-frou decorations in the client's home. There were excessive amounts of ornamentation, gaudy fabrics, and frills, which clashed with the aesthetic he was attempting to achieve. He had to steer his client from the path of excessive decoration.
- While the perfume bottle wasn't adorned with frou-frou of any type, the scent itself was characterized as 'frou-frou' due to its complex combination of floral notes, hinting at an excessive fragrance of femininity and luxury. The combination wasn't always considered a complement by some, as it could make it difficult for some to decide whether they liked the fragrance or not.