Sunday Word: Twee

[sallymn]

twee [twee]
adjective:
1. British: excessively or affectedly quaint, dainty, or cute

Examples:

Frankfurt was long pitched as a twee German city like Munich, complete with Christmas market and Ebbelwoi (the rather acidic local apple wine). (Frankfurt woos London bankers The Economist)

In a sense, all vintage toys are twee , but I have a personal

Comments

[prettygoodword]

My impression is that it shifted to the cloying sense by the 1920s. When I've seen it used positively, it never fails to jar.

[sallymn]

I don't think I've ever seen it used positively {g}

And it's one of those words that's remarkably hard to explain exactly (as I found out when I used it once and someone said 'what does that mean?")

[spikesgirl58]

I always thought it was for counting.. one, two, twee..

[sallymn]

{groan}

:)

[spikesgirl58]

:P Sorry, I couldn't help it.

[med_cat]

Interesting info and etymology, thanks!