Dowdy

Adjective

Definition: (of a person or their clothes) unfashionable and unstylish in appearance (typically used of a woman).

Synonyms: Frumpy, Drab, Unfashionable

Antonyms: Stylish, Fashionable, Trendy

Examples:
  • She wore a dowdy dress to the party and felt out of place among the fashionable crowd.
  • The dowdy old woman stood out in her outdated, frumpy outfit.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of the word "dowdy" as sounding similar to "dated" or "dull," which describes an unfashionable and unstylish appearance.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "dowdy" originated in the 16th century from the Middle English "dowdi," meaning a "shabbily dressed woman." It is possibly related to the word "dowager" (a widow with a title or property inherited from her deceased husband), which may suggest a connection between being unfashionable and widowhood.

Historical Usage:

The term was initially used to describe an untidy or slovenly appearance. Over time, it became more associated with unfashionable clothing and style choices, particularly for women.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Dowdy as a dodo"

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes someone's lack of fashion sense or outdated appearance by comparing them to the extinct bird, the dodo. It suggests that the person is as unfashionable and out of touch as the dodo bird.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming "dowdy" can only be used to describe women.

Explanation:

While "dowdy" is often used in reference to women's appearance, it can also be used to describe the unstylish appearance of men or even objects, such as "dowdy furniture." The term is not exclusively gender-specific, although it is more commonly associated with women's fashion.

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