noun /FREL-uh-see/
1. The perceived and often irrational threat of the loss of a valued friendship to another, even if the alleged usurper is also a
friend. May be triggered when one discovers the
friend in question is/has been fraternizing with others in one's absence, possibly through social media posts, word of mouth, or even if the information is volunteered firsthand.
2. Misguided resentment suffered by a semi-psychotic individual upon the realization that he/she is not the only
friend of someone they hold dear, fueled by his/her own insecurities and possibly a latent fear of inadequacy.
3. A frealous disposition, attitude, or feeling.
Origin: portmanteau word derived from
friend + jealousy; Middle English frend (
friend), from Old English frēond (
friend, lover, relative), cognate with Old Saxon friund, Old High German friunt, Gothic frijōnds, orig. present participle of frēogan, cognate with Gothic frijōn and Old English frēon (to love) and frēo (free) + Middle English gelusie, jelosie, from Old French gelosie, equivalent to gelos (jealous) + -ie (-y).
Geraldine: Hang on, let me invite
Lillie to go with us.
Anyone else: She's not
even in town, though. Why would you invite her if she can'
t come along?
Geraldine: You have no idea... The frealousy is strong with that one.
