The Art of Frumpery: Understanding the History and Significance of an Archaic Word

Frumpery is an archaic or obsolete word that was used in the 17th and 18th centuries to describe something that is showy, pretentious, or excessively ornate. It is derived from the Yiddish word "frum," which means "pious" or "devout," and was originally used to describe religious clothing or accessories that were considered too flashy or ostentatious.

Over time, the word "frumpery" came to be used more broadly to describe any kind of excessive or pretentious adornment or behavior, whether it was related to religion or not. It is often used in a derogatory way to suggest that someone is trying too hard to impress others with their wealth, status, or piety.

Here are some examples of how "frumpery" might be used in a sentence:

* "The bishop's elaborate robes and jewelry were seen as frumpery by some members of the congregation."
* "The new restaurant's over-the-top decorations and menu items were criticized as frumpery by food critics."
* "The politician's attempts to appeal to religious voters with his frumpery speeches and photo ops were seen as insincere."

It's worth noting that while "frumpery" is still used in some contexts, it has largely fallen out of common usage in modern English. It is more commonly found in historical or literary texts, or in discussions of religious or cultural traditions.