- Main Entry:
- 1gau·dy
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈgȯ-dē, ˈgä-\
- Function:
- adjective
- Inflected Form(s):
- gaud·i·er; gaud·i·est
- Date:
- 1582
1: ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented2: marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish <gaudy lies> <gaudy claims>; also : exceptional <a gaudy batting average>
—
gaud·i·ly \ˈgȯ-də-lē, ˈgä-\ adverb —
gaud·i·ness \ˈgȯ-dē-nəs, ˈgä-\ noun synonyms gaudy,
tawdry,
garish,
flashy,
meretricious mean vulgarly or cheaply showy.
gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation
<circus performers in gaudy costumes>.
tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy
<tawdry saloons>.
garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright
<garish neon signs>.
flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar
<a flashy nightclub act>.
meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise
<a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.
