frowzy
UK: ˈfraʊzi | US: ˈfraʊzi
adj. (of a place or person) dirty, untidy, or slovenly in appearance
adj. having a stale, musty, or unpleasant smell
The word "frowzy" likely originates from the obsolete term "frow," meaning musty or stale, which itself may derive from the Dutch "vroeg" (early, implying overripe or spoiled). The suffix "-zy" adds an adjectival quality, often implying a negative or unpleasant state. Over time, "frowzy" evolved to describe both physical untidiness and a stale odor, reflecting its roots in decay or neglect.
The frowzy attic was filled with dusty old furniture.
She woke up with frowzy hair after a long night.
The room had a frowzy smell from lack of ventilation.
He avoided the frowzy old bookstore due to its damp odor.
Her frowzy appearance suggested she hadn’t slept well.