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gaudy

/ˈgɔdi/

/ˈgɔdi/

IPA guide

Other forms: gaudiest; gaudier; gaudies

Something that's gaudy is showy, bright and definitely tacky. So think twice about that gaudy rainbow-colored suit and shiny gold shoes ensemble.

Gaudy is an adjective that means "ostentatious" — in other words, flashy and in your face, and not in a good way. Someone in a gaudy outfit is probably trying too hard to be cool and stylish. Gaudy evolved from the Middle English gaud “deception, trick” in the 1520’s. That word, in turn, came from gaudi, used to describe a “large, ornamental bead in a rosary.”

Definitions of gaudy
  1. adjective
    tastelessly showy
    “a gaudy costume”
    synonyms: brassy, cheap, flash, flashy, garish, gimcrack, glitzy, loud, meretricious, tacky, tatty, tawdry, trashy
    tasteless
    lacking aesthetic or social taste
  2. adjective
    (used especially of clothes) marked by conspicuous display
    synonyms: flashy, jazzy, showy, sporty
    colorful, colourful
    striking in variety and interest
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    demure
    (used especially of clothing) suggestive of modesty or reserve
  3. noun
    (Britain) a celebratory reunion feast or entertainment held a college
    see moresee less
    type of:
    banquet, feast
    a ceremonial dinner party for many people
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