gaudy
UK: ˈɡɔːdi | US: ˈɡɑːdi
adj. excessively bright, showy, or elaborate in a way that lacks taste
adj. (archaic) joyfully festive or merry
gaudy = gaud<showy ornament> + y<adjective suffix>
- gaud (from Middle English gaude, meaning "a showy trinket or ornament," derived from Old French gaudir, "to rejoice," and Latin gaudēre, "to rejoice")
- y (a common English suffix forming adjectives, indicating "characterized by or inclined to")
Etymology Origin:
The word gaudy traces back to the Latin gaudēre ("to rejoice"), reflecting its original association with festivity and merriment. Over time, gaud evolved in Middle English to denote flashy ornaments, and the suffix -y shifted its connotation toward excessive showiness. By the 16th century, gaudy acquired its modern pejorative sense, critiquing tasteless extravagance—a linguistic journey from joy to garishness.
The gaudy neon signs clashed with the historic architecture.
She avoided gaudy jewelry, preferring minimalist designs.
The party decorations were criticized as gaudy and overdone.
(Archaic) The villagers celebrated with gaudy laughter and song.
His tie was so gaudy it distracted everyone during the meeting.