ST Alpha - "I think we’re the ones who conflated “fancy” with “formal”. -- (edited)" (Reading a Post)

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In response to "No matter how many UK shows I watch I am always thrown off by when they say "fancy dress." It doesn't mean a nice and pretty dress or " by Krusty

I think we’re the ones who conflated “fancy” with “formal”. -- (edited)

Posted by znufrii Nov 20 '22, 06:05

In other contexts fancy refers to embellishments or decorations, I think, and is more aligned with the British definition as I understand it.

But as the saying goes, we are two countries separated by a common language.

Responses:

I'm not sure I agree with you here. While the EOD has the third entry as [only before noun] (especially of small things) with a lot of decorations or -- (edited) - Krusty Nov 20, 06:19 6
- this says the term came from 19th century press describing outfits at costume parties. nm but: -- (link) - i.b! Nov 20, 06:38 4
  - Interesting, thanks! -- nm - znufrii Nov 20, 06:59
  - Thanks! I can see why it was used that way originally but I just can't read it or hear it and think of a costume and not a gown. -- nm - Krusty Nov 20, 06:43 2
    - Think of it as closer to fanciful. -- nm - Andie Nov 20, 07:14 1
      - *nods* Makes sense. -- nm - Krusty Nov 20, 07:35
- When you fancy someone, you crush on them. Clearly, the answer is to dress like a clown. -- nm - con_carne Nov 20, 06:21

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I think we’re the ones who conflated “fancy” with “formal”. -- (edited)

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