Flashiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flashiness

[ˈflæʃiˌnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in fashion

The quality of being very noticeable because of being bright, colourful, and expensive-looking

Synonyms

glamour, glitz, ostentation, showiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flashiness	Used to describe something that stands out because it is brightly colored or overly elaborate. Often carries a somewhat negative connotation. The car's flashiness attracted a lot of attention, but not all of it was positive. Her flashiness at the party made her the center of attention, though some thought it was a bit much.
glamour	Refers to an attractive quality that appeals especially due to elegance or sophistication. Often used in the context of fashion, celebrities, and lifestyle. The glamour of the awards ceremony left everyone in awe. She was drawn to the glamour of the fashion industry.
ostentation	Implies an unnecessary display of wealth or luxury, meant to impress others. Generally has a negative connotation. His ostentation was evident in the way he flaunted his wealth. The ostentation of the mansion was a bit overwhelming.
glitz	Describes something that is extravagant and flashy, often suggesting superficial brightness. Commonly associated with entertainment and show business. The casino was filled with glitz and glamour. The concert was all about glitz and showmanship.
showiness	Describes something that is designed to attract attention by being very noticeable, often with a negative implication of lacking substance. The showiness of the outfit didn't appeal to everyone. Her showiness at the meeting was seen as unprofessional.

Examples of usage

Her dress was a bright red, a little too much flashiness for my taste.
The flashiness of the new car attracted a lot of attention on the street.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personality

The quality of being showy or ostentatious in an attempt to impress others

Synonyms

bravado, extravagance, flamboyance, swagger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flashiness	Often used to describe something that is showy or ostentatious, sometimes with a negative connotation. It can refer to appearances, behavior, or objects that attract attention due to their bright or striking qualities. The flashiness of his new sports car caught everyone's eye. Many criticized the celebrity's dress for its excessive flashiness.
swagger	Refers to a confident or arrogant walk or manner. It can indicate someone who is self-assured to the point of seeming overly proud or even cocky. It usually has a somewhat negative or cocky connotation. He walked into the room with a noticeable swagger. Her swagger made it clear that she believed she was the best in the room.
bravado	Typically used to describe a display of boldness or confidence, often to impress others or to mask fear. It can have a somewhat negative or artificial connotation, implying that the confidence might not be genuine. His bravado in front of the crowd was impressive, but few knew he was actually very nervous. The soldier's bravado didn't hide the fact that he was scared.
flamboyance	Describes a quality of being very confident and lively, often in a way that draws attention or is extravagant. It has a more positive or neutral connotation compared to 'flashiness' and is often used to describe personalities. The actor was known for his flamboyance both on and off the stage. Her flamboyance made her the life of every party.
extravagance	Refers to excessive or unnecessary spending, often in a way that suggests wastefulness or a lack of restraint. It can be used for actions, events, or lifestyles that are overly lavish. Their wedding was noted for its extravagance, with no expense spared. She was criticized for her extravagance during the economic downturn.

Examples of usage

His flashiness was a mask for his insecurity and lack of confidence.
The celebrity's flashiness was often mistaken for genuine talent.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

In fashion, 'flashiness' is often associated with outfits featuring sequins, bright colors, and extravagant designs, often seen on the runway.
Celebrities often embrace flashiness at events, using bold styles to stand out and make headlines.
The 1980s culture promoted flashy clothing styles, typified by neon colors and oversized accessories, marking a significant trend in pop culture.

Psychology

Flashiness can attract attention but may also be perceived as a lack of depth or serious intent in interactions.
People often associate flashy behavior with confidence but also with insecurity, as individuals may show off to gain acceptance.
Research indicates that individuals exhibiting flashy characteristics can influence social dynamics, as they often become focal points in groups.

Pop Culture

In music, artists like Lil Wayne and Cardi B often use flashy aesthetics in their music videos to emphasize wealth and success.
Television shows like 'The Real Housewives' franchise focus on characters whose lifestyles are often marked by extravagance and flashiness.
The term is used in sports to describe players who exhibit flamboyant styles or showmanship, such as in basketball with players like Allen Iverson.

Advertising

Companies often use flashiness in advertising to grab consumers' attention quickly, using bold colors and loud visuals.
Studies show that flashy ads may lead to higher initial interest, but they might not always convert to lasting brand loyalty.
The use of flashy presentation in marketing can backfire if consumers feel manipulated or overwhelmed by the excess.

Origin of 'flashiness'

Main points about word origin

The word 'flash' originally referred to a sudden burst of light, evolving to describe something that captures attention.
It became popular in the early 19th century to characterize things that were visually striking or showy.
The suffix '-iness' indicates a state or quality, turning 'flash' into a noun that describes the effect of being flashy.

The word 'flashiness' originates from the Middle English word 'flasche', meaning 'splinter' or 'fragment'. Over time, it evolved to refer to something that is showy or attention-grabbing. The concept of flashiness has been associated with wealth, status, and the desire to impress others throughout history.

See also: flash, flashback, flashes, flashily, flashing, flashlight, flashy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,824, 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.

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41821 gimped
41822 hightailing
41823 marquisette
41824 flashiness
41825 dazing
41826 lustiest
41827 unfetter
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