creamy

[Peter Jiong]

The education of foreign countries and the study of pictures and palaces and strange peoples, had released her mind from its prison of darkness, yet had destroyed half her illusions; now she would far rather have retained the plain and unadorned illiteracy, the ingenuous ignorance of the typical and creamy English girl.

From Mrs. Craddock (set in the late 19th century) by W Somerset Maugham.

What does “creamy” mean？

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

You've already looked up creamy, right?

In this context, what do you think Maugham might be trying to convey?

 

[GoesStation]

You've already looked up creamy, right?

In this context, what do you think Maugham might be trying to convey?

Google "creamy complexion". Don't Google "creamy English girl" — you'll get results that Maugham wouldn't have imagined in his darkest nightmares.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Google "creamy complexion". Don't Google "creamy English girl" — you'll get results that Maugham wouldn't have imagined in his darkest nightmares.

Good idea!

And keep in mind that Maugham didn't specify complexion. So although it's certainly a reference to her appearance, he's also suggesting something more.

What do you think?

 

[GoesStation]

Good idea!

And keep in mind that Maugham didn't specify complexion. So although it's certainly a reference to her appearance, he's also suggesting something more.

What do you think?

I'm pretty sure he's describing her complexion. It's still, I think, common to describe English girls as having a "creamy complexion". It was undoubtedly even more common in Maugham's days.