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Meaning of tawdry
The primary meaning of the word "tawdry" refers to something that is showy and flashy but lacking in style or substance.
Etymology of tawdry
The word "tawdry" has its origins in the 17th century, derived from the name of St. Audrey, a 7th-century English saint, and the phrase "tawdry lace", which referred to cheap and showy lace sold at St. Audrey's fair in England.
Over time, the term "tawdry" evolved to describe not just the lace but also other items that were considered showy and lacking in substance.
Synonyms
gaudy
tacky
flashy
showy
garish
tasteless
vulgar
crude
common
cheap
tattered
worn
faded
shabby
seedy
sleazy
sordid
grubby
dingy
dismal
dreary
miserable
wretched
pitiful
pathetic
lamentable
deplorable
distressing
unpleasant
uninviting
unattractive
unsightly
repulsive
repugnant
objectionable
offensive
distasteful
disagreeable
unrefined
coarse
rough
crude
rude
uncouth
unpolished
unsophisticated
common
banal
trite
hackneyed
clichéd
stereotypical
formulaic
predictable
mundane
dull
lackluster
uninspiring
unimpressive
humdrum
monotonous
tedious
tiresome
irksome
bothersome
annoying
irritating
vexing
bothersome
Definitions
- The word "tawdry" is defined by Oxford Languages as:
- * (of clothes or ornament) showy and flashy but lacking in style or substance
- * (of a place or atmosphere) sordid or disreputable
- * It can also be used to describe something that is considered to be in poor taste or of low quality.
Usage Examples
- The city's red-light district was a tawdry area with neon lights and seedy bars.
- * The tawdry decorations at the party made it look like a cheap carnival.
- * The film's tawdry plot and lackluster acting made it a box office flop.
Antonyms
elegant
refined
sophisticated
classy
stylish
tasteful
subdued
understated
restrained
modest
humble
simple
unassuming
unpretentious
genuine
authentic
sincere
heartfelt
attractive
appealing
inviting
pleasant
delightful
charming
captivating
enchanting
alluring
enticing
impressive
inspiring
uplifting
exhilarating
thrilling
exciting
gratifying
satisfying