https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:40:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524748 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 05:08:01 +0000 rachylou 1524748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>But wait... Don't we assume a little frump in men's fashion... And when they dress too stylish, doesn't that make people laugh nervously? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524745 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 04:56:09 +0000 Desmo April 1524745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, the core of frumpy is lack of care. Style needs intention.</p> <p>Basic is very different from frumpy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524732 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 04:13:44 +0000 Marley 1524732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really don't mind the word frumpy - that is, I don't mind it being used to describe an outfit or a "look." &nbsp;When someone says that an outfit is frumpy, I think I know what they are talking about - it might be dull, a bit &nbsp;scruffy, colorless (or, not a good color for the person wearing it), ill-fitting, or the proportions are wrong. &nbsp;I don't think of it as a judgement of the person dressed in a frumpy manner - rather just a description of a certain type of look. &nbsp;I would really miss the word "frumpy" in my vocabulary if I had to give it up! &nbsp;;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524706 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 03:15:38 +0000 Flytigress 1524706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those under 20 might use the word "basic" for "frumpy"</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524683 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:46:54 +0000 Aziraphale 1524683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread cracks me up. :-)</p> <p>While I can appreciate the indignation of all those who don't like the word "frumpy" (nobody wants to hear it applied to herself!), I think the English language needs it. There is no other word that means precisely the same thing. This is true of most useful adjectives. English is such a rich language because it has so many synonyms, all with delicate shades of meaning. "Frumpy" <i>does</i>&nbsp;imply a sort of blocky middle-aged feminine dowdiness. RoseandJoan makes the point that the word should be more equal-opportunity, but we don't use it that way. We use it to describe women. And it's insulting. It's <i>always</i> meant to be dismissive or hurtful -- which is why, I'm guessing, so many women take exception to it. But then, EVERY insult is meant to be dismissive and hurtful. Why get rid of only this one? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524675 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:39:21 +0000 kerry 1524675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no idea how to add to this post but I have really enjoyed reading it. This happens to me often!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524655 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:20:16 +0000 anne 1524655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, of course, being Australian,&nbsp;&nbsp;know the word "daggy" and I'm sure used it growing up.</p> <p>I hear&nbsp; "you're such a dag"&nbsp;as affectionate teasing or self deprectory, &nbsp;more,&nbsp;these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524647 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:14:14 +0000 Angie 1524647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry, Sharan. Your comments are ALWAYS kind and helpful.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anne, it's true. Constructive feedback takes time, that is at a forever shortage. I mentioned that too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Aida, you are fab.&nbsp;</p> <p>Echo, very interesting. I'm not sure how to respond. I'll think about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Gaylene, I'm not sure about the, "I don't like it" response either. But hubs is hilarious. No more outfits that head east for you, young lady.&nbsp;</p> <p>CocoC, daggy sounds like a great word - and is the first time I am hearing it.&nbsp; </p> <p>Shevia, we use schlumpy in this house too. But it's to decribe a look that is sloppy and not dressy enough.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524644 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:13:30 +0000 Jaime 1524644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First thing that came to mind was shlumpy (Yiddish, gender neutral). I associate it with letting it all hang out. Unrestrained, no artifice, no attempt to gloss over one's natural state. Then as I skimmed I had to ask myself why all these words sound similar (frumpy, shlumpy, shlubby, dumpy). I will read the thread more carefully when I am more awake.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524633 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 02:01:45 +0000 Cococat 1524633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to use the word 'daggy'. It's possibly an Australian slang term.</p> <p>Ok, just looked it up in urban dictionary.</p> <p>"Australian origin.<br /> <br />adj. not stylish, out of fashion, not trendy, not cool, untidy, unclean, not neat.<br /> v. to have no style."</p> <p>I <i>never, ever</i> want to look daggy....lol</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524627 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:56:17 +0000 anne 1524627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go to bed and wake up to an indepth discussion here.</p> <p>I just wanted to put a little argument in for, in the forum at least, people feeling free to make the occasional negative comment without having to back it up or qualify it.&nbsp; I know we are pretty much a tactful and polite group here but sometimes people don't have much time, and a quick comment about something might give a bit more realistic feedback than requiring every single negative comment to have to be qualified and explained. I guess the yay/nay voting buttons&nbsp; do that, but I don't see&nbsp; them being used that much these days.</p> <p>I do realise that it would be frustrating to have a whole thread consisting of negative comments without any explanation or suggestions for improvement, but the odd one in there, interspersed with more constructive comments, might give more balanced feedback.</p> <p>I also know that I am rarely sure enough about my judgement to make negative comments!</p> <p>I know that is a slight veering away from the discussion of the word in question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524625 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:54:36 +0000 gryffin 1524625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene - please tell Mr. Gaylene he hit it out if the park with that one! Must steal that line. As Oscar Wilde said, "steal and steal boldly!" That made my night, many thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524599 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:34:32 +0000 Gaylene 1524599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Echo, I'm in no way saying that outfits can't be evaluated negatively, just that the person giving the judgement ought to be able to express what is behind the judgement, or, at a minimum, express the judgement in a way that clearly indicates its entirely personal nature--as in "I don't like it ". Calling something "dowdy" with the implication everyone, except possibly the wearer, would agree with the judgement just seems, as Brooklyn so aptly put it, to imply a superiority in the style stakes which may, or may not, be warranted. </p> <p>As for alternatives, I'll offer up Mr. Gaylene's "Well, that outfit is headed east, while you, my love, are definitely a woman who looks westward." Cracks me up every time as I beat a hasty retreat back to the closet or dressing room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524595 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:29:48 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1524595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, dear. I've taken to using "dowdy" instead of "frumpy," because I thought the latter seemed to be so fraught. (I will say that I don't apply the term to someone else's specific outfit; I think usually I'm using it as a description of a look I'm trying to avoid.) But nnow I'm getting the idea that "dowdy" is just as bad a word to use--i.e., can be taken as inexact at best and misogynist at worst. And "cool," too, which I use a lot, is not helpful. Hmmm, I think I'm full of meaningless drivel! Hopefully my intent comes across; usually what I'm trying to do is compliment someone on an outfit and to give some indication of what it is that I find pleasing about it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524566 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:56:23 +0000 catgirl 1524566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to add, I often use "schlubby" to describe that same feeling - like when I hang around all day in sweats and feel like a slob. But that's not the same connotation, perhaps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524557 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:22:52 +0000 Brooklyn 1524557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think "frumpy" is a term that is often used by women to put other women down. I am not saying that is how it is always used or that is how people use it in this forum. (I think people are very considerate here.) But I think it&nbsp;does suffer from that association. To me it means an outfit that is both unattractive and makes the wearer look or seem older. I think it is frequently used by younger women to describe older women or their peers&nbsp;for the purpose&nbsp;of claiming superiority in the style stakes.&nbsp;Similar to younger women describing older women as "mutton dressed as lamb"&nbsp;or older women describing younger women as being dressed in a way that is trampish or sl***y or as a fashion-victim. All these expressions can be particularly nasty&nbsp;and insulting. The alternatives, such as "unflattering", seem more tactful and non-judgmental. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524556 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:21:33 +0000 Echo 1524556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>sjchicago: I cannot escape the Dr. Seuss connotation to "schlumpy". Perhaps no one else remembers poor Mr. Bix who has his Borfin to fix... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524554 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:18:42 +0000 Echo 1524554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, while I do appreciate Gaylene's thoughts about how "frumpy" is non-specific, subjective and unhelpful, I think we all have similar connotations for the word. Of course, it always helps to have a WHY about anything, including more general statements, but it isn't always necessary. For example, people here often tell another poster that an item isn't "you", or it "isn't fab enough for you" without specifying why. While the OP often seems to understand the statement, it still isn't any more helpful than a declaration of "frumpy".</p> <p>And it treads perilously close to the idea that no outfit can be spoken ill of. I am fully in favour of tact and being polite, but there are some outfits that say "frumpy" all over and there isn't necessarily a better description. I used to work with a young woman who wore knit polyester pants with a sewn-in seam down the front and an elastic waist, and t-shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters with appliques on them (what kids in my high school used to call "teacher sweaters" or "grandma sweatshirts". She always wore flat brown comfort brand shoes, and while this may not be fair (as Angie specified the outfit as on a mannequin), her hair was the stereotypical over 40 haircut (shortish and permed). Everyone was sure she was in her mid-40's. When I found out she was younger than I was (a college student), I could not believe it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I never would have offered any opinion on what she wore or the way she wore her hair. She definitely had a style, but it happened to be one that had people thinking she was 20 or 30 years older than what she was. I am not sure that any ONE item of her look or outfits could be pinpointed, but her overall look, every day, was "frumpy".&nbsp;</p> <p>So sometimes I do think that "frumpy" is simply the best descriptor available. Everyone's definitions here are all in the same ballpark; despite our protestations, we DO know what it means, almost universally. I absolutely object to the term being gender-specific, as there are without doubt frumpy men. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524553 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:15:41 +0000 Joyce B 1524553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think style is in the eye of the beholder and also depends on the happiness factor of the person wearing it.<br /> What may be frumpy to some may be stylish to others.<br /> There is a lot of interpersonal variation and also personal day to day variation.<br /> Try wearing one of your high happiness outfits on one of your good days and also on one of your bad days. Although the good outfit can help you feel better on a bad day, it will never look or feel the same way it does on a good day.<br /> Everything is relative, there are too many shades of grey.<br /> I agree with what Griffin said. Plus, what is wrong with old fashioned? I also love old fashioned with all the history that it includes. Plus, these days there is a lot of 70s in the prints and in the shapes of garments. Is that old fashioned, too?<br /> I also agree with Runcarla when she says that people on the forum ask if their own outfits are frumpy. The word is not used as a qualifier for someone else's outfits and that is all in keeping with the supportive environment that defines YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524552 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:15:28 +0000 Beth Ann 1524552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, Deb!&nbsp; Good job finding a literary reference! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524550 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:46:28 +0000 deb 1524550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the best synonym I can find is unstylish.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524547 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:40:41 +0000 deb 1524547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found a list of the work used in literature.</p> <p> In literature:<div><div> A rather frumpy old bachelor, with thinning hair and a thickening neck. </div><div>"One Basket" by Edna Ferber </div><div> I have been a grumpy, frumpy, wayward sort of a woman, a good many years. </div><div> "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens </div><div> Men don't marry frumpy, snuffy old things of thirty, or thereabouts. </div><div> "Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed" by Edna Ferber</div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/3#post-1524545 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:33:00 +0000 Aida 1524545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah I <i>do</i> use the word cool... but not for people. Usually things or events (and the occasional garment). Didn't realize that, also interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524541 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:27:38 +0000 Angie 1524541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, more good points and you made me laugh again too. (Watch out Mr. Gaylene). Concrete explanations are best - although they do take time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Author Linda, that's a great perspective.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524539 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:19:48 +0000 Angie 1524539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, interesting. Perhaps "invisible" is a better word.&nbsp;</p> <p>HAH, Gryffin. You are wonderful, bright and funny. Thanks for imparting your ongoing wisdom here and on the blog - you know I appreciate it enormously. You are dead right about how we can best offer feedback to others without being pejorative. (Your second last sentence in your last comment cracked me up too). I'm humbled by your awfully flattering words - feel undeserving of them - but humbled none the less. Hugs back.&nbsp;</p> <p>Wow, Sarah. How eloquent. Being intentional with your fashion choices is at the heart of not looking haphazard or unaware. Great words.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524538 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:19:12 +0000 Author Linda 1524538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The problem with "frumpy" for me is that its very existence is negative. i don't think I've ever seen it used as a positive thing to say. It's terribly undefined except in what it is not: not fashionable, not flattering, etc.. It's definition is also subjective and often based on impressions I may not share. For that reason I don't find it useful. When people ask if an item is frumpy, I struggle because I don't know what they mean, what's frumpy in their eyes vs. whatever my own observations or opinion might be. It's a minefield of semantics I'd rather avoid than walk into. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524537 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:18:11 +0000 Gaylene 1524537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, let me say I agree with everything Astrid and Gryffin have said. To me, there are degrees of negative language we use if we are expressing a subjective opinion--some terms sting more than others because of their connotations, while others can be mitigated because they can be elaborated on using more precise, concrete language so it becomes clearer why the observer is making that judgement. </p> <p>And, Angie, you are SO right words like "frumpy", "dowdy", and "dumpy" are a real pet peeve. I think my reaction is based on the limp "Well, I can't explain it, but I just know it when I see it" explanation that usually comes when the person pronouncing the judgement is pressed for a followup. Really, the speaker can just say a plain "ugh" and leave it at that for all the help those words give a person. Now, if someone wants to use those terms to describe their own appearance, that's entirely different, much like I can say I feel fat in a dress, but woe betide Mr. Gaylene if he told me I looked fat in that dress. </p> <p>One of the best aspects of YLF is the careful, but concrete, evaluations that people give when asked to comment on an outfit. Telling someone an outfit looks dated because of the size of the shoulder pads can be helpful; telling someone an outfit is clownish, or dull, or unfashionable, or frumpy says zilch except that the observer didn't like it. </p> <p>Carla, while it's true that most times "frumpy" is used by the wearer not the observer, that's not always the case. It was all I could do to not write a sarcastic response to one commenter a few months back who posted "Ooohhh, frumpy!!! Looks like something my mother would wear!" Well, hello, honey, I'm old enough to be your grandmother, so I'm guessing said outfit would be too young for me to even consider... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524528 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:01:47 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1524528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i have been mulling this over on my drive home. For me, personally, the word frumpy is all wrapped up in a sense of being completely unaware and haphazard. At the risk of sounding like I'm trying to speak for others, on a site such as this, the worst possible thing of all seems to be coming across as if we are totally clueless and/or just don't care at all about our appearance. To wear propotions that are purposefully out of the ordinary, or irregular juxtapositions such as sneakers with dresses can be seen as wonderful, even when they go against our own style preferences, when they are obviously ON PURPOSE. I would so much rather take a risk that ends up as a flop if it at least looks like I made an effort, and my worst "frumpy" feeling days are the ones when I fear that what I am wearing looks like I just had no idea what to do... or didn't care. I think that is why frumpy is such a difficult word to replace/describe/define. Something can be dated, conservative, and even downright ugly by most standards and yet be pulled together and pulled off with penache! But that is because it was worked, manipulated, and CHOSEN. It was picked and loved - not because it simply covers the nakedness - but because it means something to the wearer. So, the short answer is that I have no idea what to replace frumpy with... and I have no idea how to determine what would make a mannequin look frumpy - or not. But I know it when I wear it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524525 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 22:56:52 +0000 gryffin 1524525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - I don't think anyone who has read you posts could ever believe that you woud ever be deliberately judgemental! &nbsp;You are the kindest, most supportive, warm, generous, loving person (only fur babies excepted;-) &nbsp;and that is why absolutely everyone adores you!! &nbsp;But you hit the nail on the head - telling someone something is unflattering is not as helpful as explaining why that "something" creates a proportion that was not the intended effect. &nbsp;I think it's truly one of your many gifts - how you articulate what to look for in an item or outfit to create and manipulate proportions so we can achieve the "look" that we are striving for. &nbsp;Again, the more specific and detailed the feedback, the more helpful it is. &nbsp;Or as an old mentor used to say, "If you understand the "why," you can figure out the "how." &nbsp;Language, especially text, is difficult because we all assign emotion to certain words. &nbsp;My only point was that the most specific language and the most detailed feedback is always the most valuable and is usually the least likely to carry negative emotions. &nbsp;The last thing I meant to be was judgemental!! &nbsp;Hugs and love! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/synonym-for-frumpy/page/2#post-1524518 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 22:48:31 +0000 Anonymous 1524518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For Runcarla: <a href="http://tishjett.com/2015/07/what-a-terrifying-word.html" rel="nofollow">http://tishjett.com/2015/07/wh.....-word.html</a></p> <p>This thread has been a fascinating read.&nbsp; I submit "colorless" as another possible synomym.&nbsp; I don't mean neutrals, but more of an invisibility, a not wanting to be noticed.&nbsp; It's hard to define but I know I can feel it.&nbsp; It has as much to do with health and hair as an outfit.</p>