dowdy
See also: Dowdy
English
Etymology
Late 16th century. Origin uncertain: probably literally “little poorly dressed woman,” formed from doue, “poorly dressed woman.”
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 333: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. enPR: dou'dē, IPA(key): /ˈdaʊdi/, /ˈdoudē/
- Rhymes: -aʊdi
Adjective
dowdy (comparative dowdier, superlative dowdiest)
- Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
- Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.
- 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
- [...she was] a perfect saint amongst women, but so dreadfully dowdy that she reminded one of a badly bound hymn-book.
- 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Derived terms
Translations
plain and unfashionable in style or dress
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lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby
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Noun
dowdy (plural dowdies)
- A plain or shabby woman.