Definition

A tendency to like or show off new and modern things, often in a way that seems pretentious or unnecessary.

Example

His newfangledness was evident in his obsession with the latest gadgets that no one really needed.

Conversation

Have you noticed all the newfangledness in the latest gadgets?

Yeah, it's like every week there's something totally different.

Sometimes I wonder if all that newfangledness is really necessary.

I get what you mean, but I guess some people love trying the latest trends.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Newfangledness → It is formed from "new" (from Old English "niwe", meaning recent or fresh), "fang" (from Old English "fangan", meaning to take or seize), and "-led" (a suffix indicating a quality or state) combined with "-ness" (a suffix indicating a state or condition). The term refers to the state of being newly taken or recently adopted, often with a connotation of being overly modern or trendy.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'recent' ('new') and 'taken' ('fang') — this helps you remember that 'newfangledness' refers to the state of being newly adopted or trendy.

Visually Confused Words