WordGarden.iofrothy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈɒθi/
US
- /ˈfrɔθi/
Meanings
Adjective
covered with or full of foam or small bubbles
light, lively, and entertaining but not very serious or substantial
showing speculative excitement or inflated prices, especially in a financial market
Beyond the definition
Think of the soft foam on top of a latte: that is what "frothy" brings to mind. It describes something light, bubbly, and full of air. You might use it for ocean waves when they crash onto the shore, or for a drink with a thick layer of foam on top. It can also be used in a more figurative way for something cheerful and lively but not very deep, like a romantic comedy that is fun but not serious.
The word carries a feeling of lightness and movement. It comes from the Old Norse word froða, linked to foam made by stirring or churning. If you picture something being whisked, shaken, or splashed until bubbles appear, the meaning is easy to remember. A frothy drink feels rich and pleasant, but a frothy discussion may sound lively while saying very little.
"Frothy" primarily describes something covered in or containing a mass of small bubbles, creating a light, airy texture. It is most commonly used to describe liquids like beer ("a frothy pint"), coffee ("a frothy cappuccino"), or the sea ("frothy waves"). Imagine the delicate, temporary foam on top of whipped cream; that is a perfect example of something frothy.
However, "frothy" is not limited to what you can drink or see at the beach. It is frequently used figuratively to describe something that is light, entertaining, or flamboyant, yet lacks serious substance. A "frothy" speech might be full of grand gestures and exaggerated claims but lack a core message. In the world of finance, the word takes on a more specific meaning: a "frothy" market is one where prices are rising too quickly due to over-enthusiasm, suggesting that a "bubble" may be about to burst.
The origin of the word is connected to the idea of churning or movement, coming from the Old Norse froða. This history helps explain why "frothy" implies something ephemeral—it's there one moment and gone the next. It's a word that appeals to our senses and our intellect, conjuring images of bubbly textures and lively energy while also serving as a subtle critique of things that are all style and no substance. Whether you are enjoying a frothy beverage or observing a frothy economic trend, the word always suggests lightness, bubbles, and a touch of effervescence.
Examples
- 1
Coffee drink
She ordered a cappuccino with thick, frothy milk on top.
- 2
Sea water
The waves were frothy after the storm.
- 3
Beer foam
He poured the beer too quickly, and it turned frothy in the glass.
- 4
Light entertainment
We watched a frothy romantic comedy on the plane.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Shallow tone
The article takes a frothy tone and avoids the harder questions.
- Phrasefrothy tone
cheerful and shallow rather than thoughtful
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- sudsy
- effervescent
- creamy
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- frothy milk
- frothy coffee
- frothy beer
- frothy waves
Word family
- froth
- frothiness
Explore
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- frothyadjective
Forms
- frothiercomparativeadjective
- frothiestsuperlativeadjective