Unnecessary decorative extras or extras that aren't really needed; also can mean ruffled fabric edges used for decoration.
From Middle Dutch 'frul' or related to Old English 'frilla.' The term originally described decorative ruffles in fabric and evolved to mean any unnecessary additions or embellishments.
When you buy a car 'without frills,' you're using a word that literally comes from the fancy ruffles in Renaissance clothing—fashion designers' decorative obsessions gave us our word for unnecessary extras!
Associated with feminine ornamentation since Victorian era; often deployed to dismiss women's contributions as superficial or decorative.
Use descriptively for actual decorative elements. Avoid as metaphor for women's interests or work quality.
["ornamental elements","embellishments","details"]
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