Tawdry meaning

Tawdry means cheap and showy, lacking in taste or elegance.


Tawdry definitions

Word backwards yrdwat
Part of speech adjective
Syllabic division taw-dry
Plural The plural of "tawdry" is "tawdries."
Total letters 6
Vogais (1) a
Consonants (5) t,w,d,r,y

The Meaning of Tawdry

Tawdry is a term used to describe something that is cheap, showy, and of poor quality. It is often associated with things that are flashy or gaudy in appearance, but lack substance or real value. The word tawdry has a negative connotation, suggesting that the object or person described as such is lacking in taste or refinement.

Origin of the Word Tawdry

The word tawdry comes from the phrase "St. Audrey's lace," which was a type of cheap, gaudy lace sold at the annual fair of St. Audrey in Ely, England. Over time, the term "tawdry lace" came to be used to describe any kind of cheap or inferior decoration, and eventually, the word tawdry was used more broadly to describe anything of poor quality or taste.

Examples of Tawdry

Some examples of things that might be described as tawdry include cheap, mass-produced jewelry, tacky or overly ornate clothing, and tasteless decorations that lack elegance or sophistication. Tawdry can also be used to describe behavior that is showy or attention-seeking in a way that is considered vulgar or distasteful.

Impact of Being Tawdry

Being described as tawdry can have a negative impact on a person's reputation or how they are perceived by others. It can suggest that a person lacks class or refinement, and that their taste is questionable or lacking. While some people may embrace a tawdry aesthetic as a form of self-expression, it can often be seen as inauthentic or trying too hard to impress.

In conclusion, the term tawdry is used to describe things that are cheap, showy, and lacking in quality or taste. Whether applied to objects or behavior, being labeled as tawdry can have negative connotations and suggest a lack of sophistication or refinement.


Tawdry Examples

  1. Her tawdry costume drew stares at the Halloween party.
  2. The tawdry decorations in the store looked cheap and tacky.
  3. The gossip magazines were filled with tawdry stories about celebrities.
  4. The movie's tawdry plot left much to be desired.
  5. She refused to wear the tawdry jewelry he bought her.
  6. His tawdry behavior at the party embarrassed his friends.
  7. The tawdry affair between the two coworkers was the talk of the office.
  8. The play was criticized for its tawdry dialogue and lack of depth.
  9. The restaurant had a reputation for serving tawdry food that was not worth the price.
  10. The hotel was known for its tawdry decor and subpar amenities.


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  • Updated 18/06/2024 - 16:40:36