flashy
UK: ˈflaʃi | US: ˈflæʃi
adj. 1. Bright, colorful, or overly showy in appearance.
adj. 2. Superficially attractive but lacking substance or quality.
The word "flashy" combines "flash," derived from Middle English flashen (to splash or sparkle), likely imitative of sudden light or movement, with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives implying "characterized by." Originally tied to literal brightness (e.g., flashing lights), it evolved to describe anything excessively conspicuous or gaudy, often with a negative connotation of superficiality.
She wore a flashy dress covered in sequins to the party.
The car’s flashy rims drew attention but didn’t improve its performance.
Critics dismissed the film as flashy but shallow.
His flashy lifestyle hid his financial struggles.
Avoid flashy designs if you prefer minimalist aesthetics.