Window Shopping
Pronunciation
🔉 /ˈwɪndəʊ ˈʃɒpɪŋ/ | "win-doh shop-ing."
Here's a breakdown of the pronunciation:
"window": pronounced as "win-doh""shopping": pronounced as "shop-ing"
Etymology
The term "window shopping" refers to the act of browsing or looking at items displayed in store windows without making any purchases. It combines "window," denoting the glass panels through which products are showcased, with "shopping," indicating the activity of examining goods with the intention to buy.
Definition
Window shopping" involves leisurely perusing merchandise displayed in store windows or on shelves without the immediate intention of purchasing. It is often regarded as a recreational or exploratory activity, allowing individuals to admire products, compare prices, and gather inspiration without the commitment to buy.
First Use
The concept of window shopping has been a part of urban consumer culture for centuries, with store owners using elaborate displays to attract passersby. The phrase itself likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of department stores and the prominence of storefront advertising.
Synonyms
1. Browsing
2. Window browsing
3. Visual shopping
4. Window gazing
5. Strolling
6. Leisurely looking
7. Perusing
8. Observing
9. Window viewing
Antonyms
1. Purchase
2. Buying
3. Shopping spree
4. Consumerism
5. Transaction