fop

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fop" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun, and is used to refer to a man who is particularly concerned with his appearance and clothes - usually in an exaggerated or affected manner. Example sentence: The party was full of wealthy young fops, who seemed more interested in discussing fashion than politics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I experienced this myself in an interview for a well-trodden classic role traditionally played as a simpering fop.

The Guardian

The simpering fop part was played as a simpering fop by one of our most celebrated simpering fop actors, complete with straw-coloured wig and buckle shoes.

The Guardian

Put a wig and face powder on him and he would make a fine 18th-century fop.

The Economist

Featuring wracked sheep, a bloodied, blooded fop, Dr Frankenstein and his monster .

The Economist

His stage comedy The Guardian (1641, revised 1661) introduced the fop Puny, who became a staple of Restoration comedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She appears to be a simple country girl, virginal and endangered by this silver-tongued fop, but the truth is quite different.

Independent

Presiding over these travesties of justice is Barry Stanton's deliciously sly Tiberius, a canny political performer to his fingertips in his pose of fey, pious fop.

Independent

The British invasions of the past – cultural invasions, I mean, not actual invasions – have been premised on national archetypes such as the bounder (see Terry Thomas, David Niven), the fop (Hugh Grant, Colin Firth), or the cheeky chappie (Michael Caine, The Beatles).

Independent

"I wanted to raise awareness of FOP," Miss Wedderburn said.

Independent

There are also hoped for a cure for FOP after research scientists recently managed to stop it progressing in mice.

Independent

The most striking twist in this adaptation is that the Prince's best friend is the young Mozart no less, a struggling court composer portrayed by William Postlethwaite as an eccentric fop with a high-pitched whinnying laugh.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fop", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's excessive concern with appearance and social graces, often to a point of perceived shallowness or affectation.

Common error

Avoid using "fop" simply to describe a well-dressed man. The term carries a connotation of vanity and superficiality beyond mere style. Use "dapper" or "stylish" if the intent is purely complimentary.

Linguistic Context

The word "fop" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a man who is excessively concerned with and vain about his appearance and manners. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing characters in literature and real-life figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fop" is a noun that refers to a man who is excessively vain and concerned with his appearance and manners. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. Usage examples show that the term is often employed to criticize or satirize someone's superficiality. While synonyms such as "dandy" exist, "fop" carries a stronger connotation of foolishness. When employing "fop", ensure the context appropriately conveys the intended sense of excessive vanity. The term's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in contemporary language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dandy

Similar to "fop", but can sometimes carry a more positive connotation of stylishness.

coxcomb

Implies foolish vanity in addition to concern for appearance.

beau

Refers to a fashionable man, often with romantic interests.

gallant

Emphasizes courteousness and chivalry, sometimes to an excessive degree.

swell

An older term for a fashionable or upper-class man.

fashion plate

Highlights adherence to current fashion trends, possibly superficially.

clotheshorse

Suggests an obsession with clothes and appearance.

metrosexual

A modern term for a man particularly meticulous about his grooming and appearance.

masher

An older term for a man who makes unwanted advances, often with a focus on appearance.

dude

Informal term for a man, sometimes implying excessive attention to style.

FAQs

What does "fop" mean?

A "fop" is a man who is excessively vain and concerned with his appearance, clothes, and manners.

What are some synonyms for "fop"?

Synonyms for "fop" include "dandy", "coxcomb", "beau", and "gallant".

How can I use "fop" in a sentence?

Example: "The play featured a caricature of a wealthy "fop", obsessed with his wig and lace cuffs."

What's the difference between a "fop" and a "dandy"?

While both terms describe men concerned with their appearance, "fop" often implies a greater degree of foolishness and superficiality than "dandy".