follies etymology

Etymology:

The word "follies" originates from the French word "folie," meaning "folly" or "madness."

Meaning:

Follies are elaborate and often extravagant structures or performances that epitomize human folly and grandeur. They are typically characterized by:

  • Excessive ornamentation and decoration
  • Architectural whimsy or absurdity
  • A lack of practical purpose
  • A sense of wonder and amazement

Origin:

The concept of follies emerged in the 18th century. During this period, wealthy aristocrats and patrons of the arts commissioned the construction of bizarre and whimsical structures to adorn their gardens and estates.

The most famous example of a folly is the Palace of Versailles in France, which was built by King Louis XIV as a hunting lodge. The palace contains numerous examples of excessive ornamentation and architectural extravagance.

Other notable follies include:

  • The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England
  • The Temple of Folly in England
  • The Watts Towers in Los Angeles, California
  • The Spiral Jetty in Utah

Follies continue to be built today, both as architectural curiosities and as performance spaces for art and entertainment.

follies relate terms

  • extravaganza

    Etymology The word extravaganza comes from the Late Latin extravagāns meaning wan

  • extravagant

    Etymology The word extravagant comes from the Late Latin word extravagans which mea

  • folly

    Etymology The word folly is derived from the Old French word folie which itself is d

  • follies

    Etymology The word follies originates from the French word folie meaning folly or

  • fencing

    Etymology The word fencing comes from the Middle French word fencer meaning to def

  • sarcasm

    Etymology Greek sarkazein literally to tear flesh From sarkazmos derision moc

  • satire

    Etymology The word satire comes from the Latin word satura which means a mixture o

  • frolic

    Etymology Middle English froliken from Old French froliquier froliker from Old Occit

  • caper

    Etymology From Middle English capre from Old French capre fem capre masc bud

  • play

    Etymology The word play derives from the Middle English plaien which itself originat

  • indulgence

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense a privilege granted by the Church to a p

  • error

    Etymology The word error is derived from the Latin word errare meaning to wander o

  • mistake

    Etymology Old English mistæc meaning a misunderstanding an error Germanic root

  • trait

    Trait Etymology Early 19th century from French trait a stroke line feature figur