The word "vapourish" is spelled with a "u" after the "o," which may seem unusual. However, this is due to the word's origin in British English, where the spelling of certain words differs from American English. In IPA phonetic transcription, "vapourish" is pronounced /ˈveɪpərɪʃ/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word means having a vaporous or misty quality, and is often used to describe the appearance of the sky or a landscape.
Vapourish is a relatively uncommon adjective that describes something that resembles or relates to vapor or is characterized by vaporous qualities. The word is often used in a figurative sense to describe something that is elusive, insubstantial, or seemingly unreal.
In a literal sense, vapourish can refer to something that resembles or has the characteristics of vapor or steam, typically in terms of its appearance or texture. For instance, a vapourish mist might describe a cloud of fine particles suspended in the air, creating a hazy or foggy effect.
However, the term is more commonly used metaphorically to imply a sense of intangibility or transience. It can describe a dreamlike quality, implying something remote or indistinct, as if it were composed of vapor. It can also suggest a lack of substance or solidity, often used to describe fleeting or elusive emotions, thoughts, or concepts.
Furthermore, vapourish can be used to describe a person's disposition or demeanor. It refers to someone who exhibits traits associated with a delicate or airy temperament, often characterized by moodiness, sensitivity, or exaggeration. It implies that the person's emotions or behavior might fluctuate or change rapidly, seemingly as volatile as vapor.
Overall, vapourish encapsulates the notion of something tenuous, ethereal, or indefinite, whether in a literal or figurative context.
Affected by hysterics or the disease of vapours.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vapourish" is derived from the noun "vapour" combined with the suffix "-ish".
The noun "vapour" originally comes from the Old French word "vapore", which itself traces back to the Latin word "vapor". In Latin, "vapor" referred to steam or hot exhalations. Over time, the word expanded from its literal sense to encompass more figurative meanings related to something insubstantial, transient, or elusive.
The suffix "-ish" is of Germanic origin and is used to form adjectives from nouns or other adjectives. It conveys the sense of "resembling" or "having the qualities of". So, when "-ish" is attached to "vapour", it indicates something that resembles or has the qualities of vapor.