frivola

Frivola is the feminine form of the Italian adjective frivolo, meaning frivolous, trifling, or lacking seriousness. In Italian, the word can describe attitudes or things that are light, whimsical, or not intended to be taken seriously. In English-language criticism, frivola is used as a loanword to convey a similar sense when discussing music, poetry, or art that aims for charm rather than depth.

Etymology: Frivola derives from Italian frivolo, from Latin frivolus, meaning “frivolous” or “trivial.” The exact lineage is debated, but the term has long carried connotations of insubstantial value in ordinary usage, while in aesthetic contexts it has acquired a more specialized nuance.

Musical and literary usage: In musicology and criticism, frivola describes a short, light, and decorative piece—often with a brisk tempo and a playful mood. The label may apply to arias, songs, or instrumental character pieces from the Baroque and Classical periods when the intention was charm and wit rather than serious drama. In literature, a frivola work tends to be witty, buoyant in mood, and inconsequential in plot.

Contemporary usage: Today, frivola appears mainly in discussions of historical styles or as a cultural descriptor for content judged as lightweight or superficially entertaining. It is less a formal technical term than a descriptive label with connotations of charm and frivolity.