Blousy

/ˈblaʊzi/ adjective

Definition

Untidy, unkempt, or disheveled in appearance; ruddy-faced or coarse-looking (often considered dated or offensive).

Etymology

Variant spelling of 'blowsy,' possibly from 17th-century 'blowze,' which may relate to a ruddy or swollen complexion. The etymology is uncertain but may be connected to dialect words for wind-blown or flushed appearance.

Kelly Says

The word 'blousy' reveals how English words can carry class prejudices—it originally described working-class women and was tinged with judgment, but today it's simply an unflattering description of someone's appearance without that social baggage.

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