Flashy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flashy
[ˈflæʃi ]
Definitions
clothing
attracting attention by being bright, colorful, and very noticeable
Synonyms
garish, loud, ostentatious, showy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flashy |
Used when describing something that is eye-catching, often because it is bright, colorful, or elaborate. Can sometimes imply a lack of subtlety or sophistication.
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| garish |
Describes something that is excessively bright or colorful, and is often considered unattractive or in bad taste. Has a negative connotation.
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| loud |
Used when something is very bright or attention-grabbing, in a way that can be overpowering for others. Often has a negative nuance.
|
| showy |
Refers to something designed to be very noticeable or attractive, but can sometimes imply a lack of depth or substance.
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| ostentatious |
Describes behavior or items that are meant to impress others with how much money or luxury someone has. Usually implies showing off in an inappropriate or excessive way.
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Examples of usage
- She was wearing a flashy red dress at the party.
- He drove a flashy sports car to impress his friends.
personality
showy in appearance or manner, typically in order to impress others
Synonyms
extravagant, flamboyant, ostentatious, pretentious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| flashy |
Flashy is suitable for describing something that is showy and meant to attract attention, often implying a lack of subtlety.
|
| ostentatious |
Ostentatious is used when describing something designed to impress or attract notice, often with a connotation of bad taste or pretentiousness.
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| pretentious |
Pretentious is best used when describing people or things that try to seem more important, impressive, or higher status than they really are.
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| extravagant |
Extravagant is ideal for situations involving over-the-top spending or luxury, emphasizing excessiveness and luxury.
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| flamboyant |
Using flamboyant is appropriate when referring to something bold, colorful, and lively, often in a stylish or theatrical manner.
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Examples of usage
- He has a flashy personality and always tries to be the center of attention.
- She is known for her flashy jewelry and extravagant lifestyle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Fashion
- In fashion, 'flashy' items often refer to clothing or accessories that are designed to stand out and attract attention.
- Bright colors, sequins, and bold patterns are typical of flashy fashion choices.
- It's often seen on the runway during major fashion weeks, where designers showcase eye-catching styles.
Pop Culture
- Many celebrities are known for their flashy lifestyles, which may include extravagant parties and luxury cars.
- In music videos, artists often use flashy visuals and dress to enhance their persona and engage the audience.
- Reality TV shows frequently celebrate the flashy aspects of life, showing off wealthy individuals living in grand styles.
Psychology
- People who prefer flashy styles might be expressing high self-esteem or a desire to stand out.
- Flashy things can draw people in but might lead to superficial relationships based on appearances.
- Experts suggest that the appeal of flashy items is linked to our innate attraction to brightness and visual stimulation.
Media Representation
- Flashy advertising often uses bright colors and dramatic effects to capture consumer attention quickly.
- Social media influencers frequently showcase flashy lifestyles to gain followers and create aspirational content.
- Movies might use flashy special effects to create a spectacle that is memorable and exciting for viewers.
Origin of 'flashy'
Main points about word origin
- Originated from the word 'flash,' which means to shine suddenly and brightly.
- First appeared in English in the mid-19th century, often to describe things that are extravagant or showy.
- Associated with the idea of quickness or suddenness, reflecting how things that are flashy catch the eye at once.
The word 'flashy' originated in the mid 17th century, derived from the verb 'flash'. It originally meant 'showy in dress or appearance' and later evolved to include the idea of attracting attention by being bright and noticeable. The word has been used to describe both clothing and personality traits.
See also: flash, flashback, flashes, flashily, flashiness, flashing, flashlight.