Fustian

Noun

Definition: A thick, durable cotton fabric with a slight nap, used in upholstery and clothing.

Definition: Language that is pompous, inflated, or pretentious in style or content.

Synonyms: Bombast, Grandiloquence, Verbosity

Antonyms: Simplicity, Conciseness

Examples:
  • The couch was upholstered with a luxurious fustian fabric.
  • The politician's speech was full of fustian, making it difficult to understand his true intentions.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "fussy" fustian, being excessively verbose or showy.
  • "Fustian fabric" sounds similar to "fussing with fabric," indicating a preference for elaborate or extravagant textiles.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "fustian" entered English in the 15th century from the Old French word "fustaigne," which was derived from the Arabic word "pistān" or "fustān" meaning "linen cloth."

Historical Usage:

Fustian was highly valued during the medieval period as a luxurious fabric. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it began to be associated with extravagant language or bombastic writing styles.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"To speak in fustian"

Explanation:

Refers to using inflated or pretentious language.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing fustian as a positive attribute in relation to language or writing.

Explanation:

While fustian may be used to describe a particular style of language, it is often seen as negative due to its association with bombastic or inflated expressions.

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