froufrou
Fussy decorative excess
Froufrou is showy, frilly ornamentation—the kind of excessive decorative detail found on elaborate dresses, fancy packaging, or fussy décor.
The word imitates the rustling sound of silk and lace.
It often carries a dismissive tone, suggesting something is all style and no substance: I wanted something simple, not all that froufrou.
As an adjective: a froufrou wedding cake.
Superfluous adornment
- rufflePleated fabric edging
- flounceOrnamental gathered fabric strip
- laceOpen-weave ornamental fabric
- trimmingCutting away excess
embellishment · adornment · tassel · beading · sequins · ribbon · bow · rosette
Showy, worthless adornment
- fluffLight, soft fibers
- trivialityUnimportant small matter
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
- whimsyPlayful, capricious quality
fanciful · insubstantial · trifling · lightness · silliness · giddiness · caprice · trumpery
Complex and detailed
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- ornateElaborately decorated
- showyExcessively eye-catching
- over-the-topExcessively dramatic or extravagant
rococo · baroque · fussy · frilly · overwrought · decorative · embellished · gaudy
frill
Superfluous adornment
trimming · embellishment · adornment · tassel · beading · sequins · ribbon · bow · rosette · pleat
frippery
Showy, worthless adornment
- fluffLight, soft fibers
- trivialityUnimportant small matter
- superficialityAbsence of meaningful depth
whimsy · fanciful · insubstantial · trifling · lightness · silliness · giddiness · caprice · trumpery · inconsequential
elaborate
Complex and detailed
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- ornateElaborately decorated
- showyExcessively eye-catching
over-the-top · rococo · baroque · fussy · frilly · overwrought · decorative · embellished · gaudy · flamboyant
rustle
Soft crackling sound
swoosh · crinkle · murmur · tinkling · petticoat · silk · taffeta · crinoline · skirt · bustle
- ornateornate, elaborate, embellished, decorative, ornamental
- trinketstrinket, trinket box, knickknack, bauble, gewgaw
- frillylace, ruffle, frill, flounce, ruche
froufrouplain
Basic and unremarkable
simple · unadorned · minimalist · austere · spare
froufrouaustere
Severely simple and unadorned
severe · substantive · serious · functional · utilitarian
froufrousubstantial
Of notable size or importance
serious · practical · no-nonsense · businesslike · sober