[Vocabulary] What does shabby really mean?

[randomxxx]

I had heard before the word shabby and thought it would meant cute decoration style, but then I read a book that used 'shabby' describing shoes which were not in good condition. Now I'm confused. What does shabby really mean?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Did you try a dictionary? I can pretty much guarantee you that "shabby" doesn't mean cute.

 

[emsr2d2]

There is a phrase "shabby chic" - old items which aren't in great condition are put together to create a trendy look.
THESE are the images you get if you Google "shabby chic".

 

[Rover_KE]

Be aware also of the more recent colloquialism 'not too shabby' — a deliberate understatement of something which is very fine or desirable indeed.

 

[randomxxx]

Thank you, now I got it. But what about 'shabby girl'? I've heard people using it. Is shabby girl a poor girl who wears ragged clothes or a girl who prefers historical clothes like vintage style?

 

[Rover_KE]

Definitely not the latter.

Which people have you heard using it?

 

[Raymott]

Note that 'shabby' does not necessarily refer only to clothes. This 'shabby girl' might have poor personal hygiene, untidy hair, even her manners and speech might be called shabby. And she is not necessarily poor.