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Chintzy: meaning, definitions and examples

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chintzy

 

[ ˈʧɪn.tsi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

quality description

Chintzy refers to something that is cheap, gaudy, or of inferior quality. The term often describes items that appear to be flashy or overly decorated but lack real substance or value. This word can encompass anything from clothing to decor that seems manufactured or mass-produced without attention to detail. Essentially, chintzy items are often viewed as unattractive or low class due to their tackiness and low-cost materials.

Synonyms

cheap, grotesque, shoddy, tacky

Examples of usage

  • The chintzy decorations made the room feel cheap.
  • He wore a chintzy suit to the wedding that looked out of place.
  • The gift shop was filled with chintzy souvenirs.
  • She avoided chintzy furniture for her upscale living room.

Translations

Translations of the word "chintzy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barato

🇮🇳 सस्ता

🇩🇪 billig

🇮🇩 murah

🇺🇦 дешевий

🇵🇱 tani

🇯🇵 安っぽい

🇫🇷 bon marché

🇪🇸 barato

🇹🇷 ucuz

🇰🇷 저렴한

🇸🇦 رخيص

🇨🇿 levný

🇸🇰 lacný

🇨🇳 便宜的

🇸🇮 poceni

🇮🇸 ódýrt

🇰🇿 арзан

🇬🇪 მოიმედები

🇦🇿 ucuz

🇲🇽 barato

Word origin

The word 'chintzy' originated in the 1960s and is derived from 'chintz', which itself comes from the Hindi word 'chint', meaning a painted or printed calico cloth. Originally, chintz referred to colorful, printed cotton fabric that was often used for drapes and upholstery. As time went on, the term began to take on a more negative connotation, describing items that were overly ornate or cheaply made. The transition from describing fabric to a broader term encompassing poor quality and gaudiness reflects cultural shifts in consumer attitudes, where the appreciation for craftsmanship and aesthetic value became more pronounced. By the mid-20th century, 'chintzy' had firmly established itself in the English language as a descriptor for anything that was considered insubstantial, unsophisticated, or lacking in genuine quality.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,757, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.