Glitzy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glitzy

[ˈɡlɪtsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

fashion

characterized by showy, glamorous, or extravagant appearance or style

Synonyms

extravagant, flashy, ostentatious.

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Word Description / Examples
glitzy

Used to describe something that is showy, shiny, and often associated with glamour in an exaggerated way. It is commonly associated with show business or events meant to impress visually.

  • The film premiere was a glitzy affair with celebrities walking the red carpet
  • Her glitzy outfit sparkled under the stage lights
flashy

Used to describe something designed to attract attention, often with bright colors or excessive decorations. It sometimes carries a negative connotation of being in bad taste.

  • He likes to drive flashy cars to show off his wealth
  • Her flashy jewelry made her stand out in the crowd
ostentatious

Used to describe behavior or appearance that is intended to attract notice and impress others, often considered pretentious or vulgar. It has a negative connotation.

  • His ostentatious display of wealth at the charity event was off-putting
  • The ostentatious mansion was filled with gold-plated fixtures and expensive art
extravagant

Used to describe something that is excessively elaborate, luxurious, or costly, often implying imprudence or wastefulness.

  • They threw an extravagant party at a five-star hotel
  • His lifestyle is very extravagant, with frequent purchases of luxury items

Examples of usage

  • The actress wore a glitzy gown to the red carpet event.
  • The glitzy jewelry sparkled under the lights of the stage.
Context #2 | Adjective

entertainment

excessively showy or flashy, often in a cheap or tasteless way

Synonyms

gaudy, loud, tawdry.

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Word Description / Examples
glitzy

This term is often used to describe something that is flashy and glamorous, usually in a positive or neutral way. Glitzy can refer to fashion, events, or places that are designed to impress and catch the eye with their shiny and stylish appearance.

  • She wore a glitzy dress to the awards ceremony.
  • The city's glitzy nightlife attracts many tourists.
gaudy

Gaudy has a negative connotation and is used to describe something that is overly showy or flashy in a way that lacks good taste or refinement. It often implies that the object or attire is in poor taste due to its excessive brightness or ornamentation.

  • His suit was so gaudy that it was hard to look at.
  • The decorations were gaudy, with too much glitter and bright colors.
tawdry

Tawdry is used in a negative sense to describe something that is cheaply showy, flashy, and of poor quality. It implies a lack of taste and a sense of being showy in an unrefined or vulgar manner.

  • The market was filled with tawdry souvenirs.
  • He decorated his house with tawdry, gaudy trinkets.
loud

When referring to something visual, loud describes something very bright, colorful, or attention-grabbing in a way that can be interpreted as either vibrant or overwhelming. Its use could be contextually neutral but often leans towards mildly negative when describing taste.

  • She likes clothes that are bright and loud.
  • The wallpaper in the room was incredibly loud and distracting.

Examples of usage

  • The glitzy decorations at the party looked tacky and over-the-top.
  • The glitzy performance lacked substance and artistic depth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In fashion, glitzy attire often features sequins and shiny fabrics, which have been popular at events like the Oscars.
  • Television shows such as 'Dancing with the Stars' often showcase glitzy costumes that captivate audiences with their sparkle.
  • Glitzy lifestyles are often depicted in reality shows that emphasize luxury, wealth, and high society.

Psychology

  • Studying glitzy environments reveals that they can evoke feelings of excitement and joy, enhancing social interactions.
  • Bright and flashy decorations are used in marketing to grab attention and create a sense of urgency among consumers.
  • Being surrounded by glitzy elements can lead to a temporary boost in mood, but it may result in comparisons and dissatisfaction long-term.

Art

  • Artists often use glitzy elements in their work to symbolize wealth and excess, reflecting societal values.
  • The use of glitter and metallic paints has become popular in modern art, adding a glitzy visual appeal.
  • Famous novelists sometimes describe glitzy settings to highlight social status or contrast with more humble backgrounds.

Fashion

  • Glitzy fashion trends often cycle in and out, with styles from the 80s and 2000s frequently experiencing revivals.
  • Accessories like sparkling jewelry and shimmery shoes are staples in glitzy outfits for special occasions.
  • Designers like Versace and Dolce & Gabbana are known for their glitzy runway shows that highlight extravagance and boldness.

Origin of 'glitzy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the word 'glitz', which means to shine or glitter.
  • It is commonly used to describe the glamorous aspects of life, especially in the arts and entertainment.
  • The suffix 'y' is often added to words in English to give a sense of quality, making glitzy imply a sparkling nature.

The word 'glitzy' originated in the 1960s in the United States, derived from the word 'glitz', which means extravagant showiness or glamour. It is often associated with the flashy and glamorous style of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. The term has since become popular in describing anything that is showy, flashy, or extravagant in a somewhat exaggerated or tasteless manner.


See also: glitz.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,769, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.