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Tawdrily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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tawdrily

[หˆtษ”หdrษชli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

describing manner

Tawdrily refers to doing something in a gaudy or cheap manner. It often implies a lack of sophistication or a focus on showiness rather than quality. When something is done tawdrily, it is likely to be seen as tawdry or of little value, often because it is flashy or meant to attract attention. This word is commonly used to criticize a style or behavior that is considered overly ostentatious or in poor taste.

Synonyms

cheaply, gaudily, tawdry.

Examples of usage

  • She decorated the room tawdrily, with bright colors and cheap decorations.
  • The film was criticized for its tawdrily executed special effects.
  • He dressed tawdrily, opting for flashy jewelry and mismatched patterns.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Arts and Literature

  • Many writers use tawdry to describe characters or settings that appear glamorous but reveal underlying tackiness, like certain figures in modern soap operas.
  • In theater, tawdry costumes or sets can highlight themes of superficiality and materialism in a story.
  • Classic novels often feature tawdry elements as a critique of societal values and the pursuit of wealth.

Psychology

  • Attraction to tawdry items can sometimes be explained by the human brainโ€™s response to novelty and excitement, even if the quality is low.
  • People might purchase tawdry items to communicate a certain social status or aesthetic, despite their actual worth.
  • A preference for tawdry over quality can illustrate a more complex relationship with consumerism and self-image.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often features tawdry elements, showcasing extravagant lifestyles that are often revealed to be exaggerated or fake.
  • Tawdry fashion trends can quickly develop a following, reflecting how popular culture often embraces the flashy over the authentic.
  • Social media influencers may promote tawdry products to their followers, highlighting the clash between appearance and actual value.

Fashion

  • The term tawdry is frequently used in fashion to describe items that are overly flashy without substance, like sequined garments that lack quality materials.
  • Tawdry fashion trends often spark debates about taste and luxury in contemporary society.
  • Fashion can be a reflection of tawdriness, where a focus on appearance overshadows authenticity and craftsmanship.

Origin of 'tawdrily'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Tawdry' originally comes from 'Saint Audrey's lace', a type of lace sold at fairs in the 12th century that was seen as cheap and gaudy.
  • The term evolved in the 19th century to describe anything that was showy but of low quality.
  • Tawdry's connection to 'Saint Audrey' shows how language can carry historical meanings through time.

The word 'tawdrily' derives from 'tawdry', which is believed to have originated from the term 'Saint Audrey's lace'. This lace was named after Saint Audrey (or ร†thelthryth), an English queen of the 7th century known for her beauty. The lace became fashionable and was often sold at fairs held in her honor. However, over time, the quality of the lace diminished, leading to the term 'tawdry' coming to mean something cheap or of poor quality. The adverb form 'tawdrily' likely developed as a way to describe actions or styles that reflect the same lack of quality or sophistication. This evolution shows how language can shift meaning and context over time, often connected to cultural practices and societal values.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,978, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.