showy
UK: ˈʃəʊi | US: ˈʃoʊi
adj. attracting attention through bright colors, excessive decoration, or exaggerated style
adj. ostentatious or gaudy in appearance
adj. (of behavior) deliberately flamboyant or theatrical
showy = show<display> + y<adjective suffix>
- show: From Old English scēawian ("to look at, inspect"), later evolving to mean "display or exhibit."
- -y: A productive English suffix forming adjectives, often implying "characterized by" or "full of."
Etymology Origin:
The word showy emerged in the late 16th century, combining show (rooted in the act of displaying) with the adjectival suffix -y. It originally described things visibly designed to attract notice, reflecting societal shifts toward visual spectacle in fashion and art. The suffix -y softened the noun into a descriptive term, emphasizing excess or conspicuousness.
Her showy dress sparkled under the ballroom lights.
The peacock fanned its showy tail feathers to attract a mate.
Critics dismissed the artwork as too showy and lacking depth.
He avoided showy gestures, preferring subtle elegance.
The showy architecture of the palace contrasted with the modest village nearby.