noun
whimsy
WIM-zee/ˈwɪmzi/
Playful fancifulness in ideas or behavior.
His tiny tea party for garden snails is full of whimsy.
Etymology
Whimsy originally meant a capricious notion or fancy, connecting it with imaginative playfulness. It is probably related to whimwham, a fanciful device or toy, but that word’s origin is unknown.
In context
our clients gave us a huge creative license to play with color play with texture and bring some real whimsy into the space
More examples
- She adds a touch of whimsy to her letters with little drawings.
- The story blends everyday problems with gentle whimsy.
- Wearing mismatched socks brings a little whimsy to his workday.
Forms
whimsy · whimsies
whimsical adjective — Playfully imaginative or unusual in style.
Similar words
- playfulness
- Emphasizes lighthearted fun rather than imaginative or fanciful touches.
- fancifulness
- Emphasizes imaginative invention, which need not feel playful or amusing.