froufrou
UK[ˈfruːfruː]US[ˈfruːfruː]
n
excessive or showy decoration or ornamentation, especially on clothing.
n
a rustling sound, especially that of silk.
Etymology
the word 'froufrou' is a direct loanword from french, where it originated as an onomatopoeic term mimicking the rustling sound of silk skirts. it entered english in the late 19th century, a period of significant french influence on fashion and luxury vocabulary. the term's meaning expanded from the literal sound to describe the elaborate, frilly, and often excessive style of dress that would produce such a sound. its journey exemplifies how a sensory imitation can evolve into a term for the visual aesthetic commonly associated with that specific sensory experience.
Analysis
this is a reduplicative onomatopoeic formation, imitating the sound of rustling fabric. it is not composed of separable classical morphemes.
Examples
the wedding dress was beautiful but had too much froufrou for her simple taste.
the froufrou of her petticoats was audible as she walked through the quiet hall.
he preferred minimalist design and found the froufrou of victorian decor overwhelming.