What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foppish
Example
He spent hours in front of the mirror, perfecting his foppish hairstyle. [foppish: adjective]
Example
The foppish gentleman wore a silk cravat and carried a cane. [foppish: adjective]
showy
Example
The showy car had a bright red paint job and gold rims. [showy: adjective]
Example
She wore a showy necklace with large, glittering gems. [showy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Showy is more commonly used than foppish in everyday language. Showy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while foppish is less common and may be considered outdated or old-fashioned.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foppish and showy?
Both foppish and showy are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, foppish may be considered more old-fashioned and therefore less appropriate in modern settings.
