Definition of fruity

The word "fruity" has its roots in the Old French word "fruit," which ultimately comes from the Latin "fructus," meaning "fruit." While the original meaning referred to the actual produce of plants, the word evolved to encompass a broader meaning of "delicious" or "pleasurable." This is likely due to the association of fruits with sweetness and enjoyment. By the late 19th century, "fruity" began to be used in a slang sense to describe something that was flamboyant or excessively showy, especially in the context of gay men. This usage, though now considered offensive, is part of the word's complex history.