What does newfangled mean?
Newfangled means recently invented, introduced, or fashionable. Its standard use is for a person, device, system, or idea whose novelty is emphasized, and it frequently suggests that the thing may be unnecessarily complicated, unfamiliar, or overvalued. Someone might describe an experimental medical device as newfangled, or criticize a proposed system as a newfangled solution to a familiar problem. Although the word can be used neutrally to report that something is new, it often carries a faintly skeptical or dismissive tone, especially when contrasted with a traditional or well-established method. This connotation makes newfangled useful in discussion of technology, institutions, fashions, and social customs, where the distinction between genuine improvement and novelty for its own sake may matter.
adjectiveNewly invented, introduced, or fashionable, often implying that something is unnecessarily novel or unfamiliar. The word commonly carries a mildly dismissive or skeptical connotation.
- Newly invented, introduced, or fashionable, especially in a way regarded as unnecessary, excessive, or unfamiliar.
"The company was reluctant to replace its dependable equipment with a newfangled system."
"He distrusted the newfangled approach and preferred the traditional method."
"The invention won awards, although critics dismissed it as a newfangled solution to a problem that already had a simpler answer."
Calling something newfangled often means, “It may be clever, but do we really need it?”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does newfangled come from?
Newfangled dates to the early 16th century and was formed from new plus fangled, a word meaning tangled or entangled. The second element is related to the older verb fangle, meaning to tangle or entangle, and to the modern word tangle. The compound originally conveyed the idea of something newly devised or unfamiliar, and its modern evaluative use developed from the association of new arrangements with difficulty or unfamiliarity.
Related word forms
How newfangled is actually used
Generally neutral in literal descriptions, but often mildly critical or ironic when used by someone who distrusts novelty or novelty for its own sake. It is more common in conversational and journalistic English than in highly formal writing.
Easily confused with newfangled
New-found means recently discovered or acquired, whereas newfangled describes something newly invented and often suggests that its novelty may be excessive or unnecessary.
A fledgling is a new or inexperienced person or organization, while newfangled is an adjective describing something that is newly invented or fashionable.