Gaudy
ˈɡɔːdi
Definitions
Excessively ornamented; tastelessly showy.
ˈɡɔːdi
Excessively showy; flashy and tasteless
The hotel room was decorated in a gaudy style with bright colors and excessive ornaments.
💡 Simply: Imagine a sparkly, colorful outfit that's a little *too* much. Gaudy is when something is super showy and kind of tasteless, like wearing all the jewelry at once!
👶 For kids: Something that is gaudy is very bright and colorful, but in a way that is a little bit too much.
More Examples
She regretted wearing such a gaudy necklace to the interview.
The carnival floats were colorful but also a bit gaudy.
How It's Used
"The dress was too gaudy for the formal occasion."
"The gaudy wallpaper clashed with the elegant furniture."
"The shop displayed a gaudy collection of cheap souvenirs."
From Middle English *gaudi*, from Old French *gaude* meaning 'joy, trick', possibly from Germanic origins. Its meaning shifted over time to denote something ostentatiously showy or tastelessly extravagant.
Historically, 'gaudy' was closer in meaning to 'joyful' or 'merry,' before its meaning shifted towards its modern negative connotation of tasteless showiness.
Memory tip
Think of 'gold-y' - excessively golden and showy.