gaudy etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: gaudy, from Anglo-French gaudie, from Latin gaudium ("joy, delight")

Meaning:

  • Showy, ostentatious, or tasteless in appearance or style

Origin:

The Latin word gaudium originally meant "joy, delight." In the Middle Ages, it came to be associated with festive celebrations, especially religious ones. The term gaudia (plural form) referred to the feast days of saints.

Gradually, the word gaudy evolved to refer to the elaborate decorations and costumes associated with these celebrations. Over time, the meaning shifted to describe anything that was overly ostentatious or excessive in appearance.

By the 16th century, gaudy had become a pejorative term for anything considered in poor taste or excessively showy. It is often used to describe clothing, accessories, or décor that is loud, bright, or garish.

gaudy relate terms

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  • wold

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  • cheap

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  • flash

    Etymology Flash From the Middle English flashen meaning to move quickly with a sud

  • gimcrack

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  • modest

    Etymology The word modest comes from the Latin word modestus which means moderate

  • flaming

    Etymology The word flaming comes from the Old English word flæme which means flame

  • jackanapes

    Etymology The word jackanapes is believed to have originated from two possible sources

  • kitsch

    Etymology The word kitsch originates from the German verb kitschen meaning to clean

  • meretricious

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  • feast

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  • tawdry

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