whimsy

[ hwim-zee, wim- ]

noun

, plural whim·sies.

1. capricious humor or disposition; extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression:

   a play with lots of whimsy.

2. an odd or fanciful notion.

   Synonyms: humor, whim, caprice

3. anything odd or fanciful; a product of playful or capricious fancy:

   a whimsy from an otherwise thoughtful writer.

whimsy

/ ˈwɪmzɪ /

noun

1. a capricious idea or notion
2. light or fanciful humour
3. something quaint or unusual

adjective

1. quaint, comical, or unusual, often in a tasteless way

Word History and Origins

Origin of whimsy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; whim(-wham) + -sy

Word History and Origins

Origin of whimsy¹

C17: from whim ; compare flimsy

Example Sentences

While the public has embraced the whimsy attached to each lookalike competition, celebrities have also capitalized on the buzz around them.

From Salon

Her works are filled with whimsy and joy, including a collection of platters and plates featuring inlaid porcelain flowers, vaguely defined creatures that hold birthday candles, penguin pitchers and buddhas.

From Los Angeles Times

As someone who has long suffered from insomnia and who feels energized when there are bits of whimsy in my day, I wondered: Has Nintendo just discovered a better way to wake up?

From Los Angeles Times

“The Los Angeles Public Library. The go-to tabernacle of literacy and lifesaving life hacks. A passport to wonder and whimsy and then some,” Bui says.

From Los Angeles Times

But they also say that the natural whimsy of a setting surrounded by young kids helps ground their series and keep it from being too depressing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• playfulness