Quick answer
Fripperies means showy, unnecessary ornaments, decorations, or trifling extras. It is usually pronounced FRIP-uh-reez, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Fripperies
Fripperies means showy, unnecessary ornaments, decorations, or trifling extras. It belongs to tiny things and trifles and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
small-thingstriflesodd-objects
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, fripperies refers to showy, unnecessary ornaments, decorations, or trifling extras. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Fripperies feels absurd because its repeated sounds give it a bounce or wobble that makes the word feel half descriptive and half sound effect.
Origin and history
Fripperies is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Fripperies is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as fripperies.
- In the novel, one fripperies is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used fripperies in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain fripperies before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating fripperies because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use fripperies when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
bauble, baublet, bibelot, bits-and-bobs, bric-a-brac
Opposite or contrasting words
plain speech, everyday wording, straightforward language
Common questions
- What does fripperies mean? showy, unnecessary ornaments, decorations, or trifling extras.
- How do you pronounce fripperies? It is commonly pronounced FRIP-uh-reez.
- Is fripperies still used today? Fripperies is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use fripperies? Use fripperies when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to fripperies? Similar words include bauble, baublet, bibelot, and bits-and-bobs.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.