Tawdry

Adjective

Definition: Showy, but cheap and of poor quality.

Definition: Tacky or gaudy in appearance.

Synonyms: Garish, Flashy, Vulgar

Antonyms: Elegant, Sophisticated, Tasteful

Examples:

She wore a tawdry dress to the party, covered in sequins and feathers.
The carnival was full of tawdry decorations and cheap thrills.

Mnemonics:

"Tacky and gaudy = tawdry."

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "tawdry" comes from the phrase "St. Audrey's lace" or "St. Etheldreda's lace," which referred to cheap lace necklaces sold at St. Audrey's fair in England. Over time, "tawdry lace" came to signify anything of low quality and showy appearance, eventually shortening to just "tawdry."

Historical Usage:

The word "tawdry" has been used in English since the late 17th century to describe cheap and flashy things.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Tawdry affair"

Explanation:

Referring to a scandalous or disreputable event or relationship.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "tawdry" with "tardy."

Explanation:

"Tawdry" and "tardy" are two different words with unrelated meanings. "Tawdry" refers to something flashy and cheap, while "tardy" means late or delayed.