Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day frowsy
Dec 4, 2025
Explore the intriguing word 'frowsy,' which signifies a messy or unkempt appearance. Discover its fascinating origins, tracing back to the 17th century when it described musty odors. Even Benjamin Franklin had a hand in its history! Charles Dickens loved using it to paint vivid pictures of disheveled scenes and characters. This word's journey from smells to styles highlights the rich evolution of language.
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Frowsy Carries Two Linked Senses
- The adjective "frowsy" describes both messy appearance and a musty smell historically associated with neglect.
- The word has remained in steady use since the late 1600s with both senses still active today.
Modern Example From The Guardian
- The Guardian offers a vivid example: models with frowsy hair totter along the catwalk clutching dead mackerel.
- This modern usage illustrates how frowsy conveys deliberate dishevelment in fashion imagery.
From Odor To Appearance
- 'Frowsy' originally described unpleasant smells like fusty or musty air and even 'corrupt air from animal substance.'
- Over time it shifted to describe disheveled appearance, a semantic broadening noted in historical usage.
