Wallflower

/ˈwɔːlˌflaʊər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is shy or unpopular and therefore tends to remain on the sidelines at social events.
At the party, Sarah felt like a wallflower, standing alone in the corner while everyone else danced.
A plant of the genus Erysimum, especially E. cheiri, which has bright yellow, orange, or purple flowers and is often grown in gardens.
The wallflowers in her garden bloomed beautifully in shades of orange and yellow.

Etymology

The term 'wallflower' comes from the combination of 'wall', referring to its typical habitat, and 'flower', indicating that it is a flowering plant.

Common Phrases and Expressions

wallflower at a party
a person who feels out of place and avoids interactions.
wallflower effect
the tendency to be overlooked or ignored in social situations.

Related Words

introvert
A person who is more focused on their inner thoughts and feelings rather than on external things.
social anxiety
A condition where a person experiences extreme fear or discomfort in social situations.

Slang Meanings

A person who is too shy to dance or socialize.
He just stood there all night, a total wallflower.
Someone who is overlooked or left out in various social settings.
Don't be a wallflower; join in and have some fun!