First Known Use: 1655
Dictionary
1tawdry
adjective taw·dry \ˈtȯ-drē, ˈtä-\
: having a cheap and ugly appearance
: morally low or bad
taw·dri·ertaw·dri·est
Full Definition of TAWDRY
: cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality; also : ignoble <a tawdry attempt to smear his opponent>
— taw·dri·ly \-drə-lē\ adverb
— taw·dri·ness \-drē-nəs\ noun
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Origin of TAWDRY
tawdry lace a tie of lace for the neck, from St. Audrey (St. Etheldreda) †679 queen of Northumbria
Synonym Discussion of TAWDRY
gaudy, tawdry, garish, flashy, meretricious mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy <tawdry saloons>. garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright <garish neon signs>. flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.
Rhymes with TAWDRY
2tawdry
noun
Definition of TAWDRY
: cheap showy finery
First Known Use of TAWDRY
circa 1680
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