Why this word is great
SUBFUSC — [Adjective] Having subdued, dull, or somber colors. From the Latin subfuscus, from sub- ("somewhat, moderately") + fuscus ("dark, dusky, swarthy"). Unlike "drab," which implies a cheerless impoverishment of tone, or "vibrant," which shouts with saturated life, subfusc denotes a studied, dignified attenuation. It is the matte charcoal of an academic gown, the muted bottle-green of velvet curtains in a dusty library, and the taupe twilight of a November afternoon just before the lamps are lit—a chromatic philosophy of dignified retreat, the visual equivalent of speaking in a measured, low voice.