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Trashy: meaning, definitions and examples

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trashy

 

[ˈtræʃi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Of poor quality; inferior or worthless. Lacking in style or good taste. Characterized by low moral standards; vulgar or indecent.

Synonyms

cheap, low-quality, tacky, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trashy

Use 'trashy' when describing something that is of very poor quality and often cheaply made, or when referring to something that has a negative or disreputable connotation.

  • The novel was dismissed by critics as trashy and uninspired.
  • He always wears trashy clothes that look like they’re from a discount store.
cheap

Use 'cheap' to describe something that costs very little money. It can also imply poor quality when talking about products, but it doesn't always have a negative connotation.

  • I bought a cheap phone, and it works just fine.
  • The fabric felt cheap and uncomfortable.
tacky

Use 'tacky' to describe something that is in poor taste or gaudy. This often refers to fashion, decorations, or anything that looks cheap and flashy.

  • The party decorations were so tacky, with way too much glitter and neon colors.
  • I can't believe she wore that tacky dress to the wedding.
low-quality

Use 'low-quality' to describe something that is poorly made or not up to standard. This is generally a neutral term.

  • The low-quality materials caused the chair to break after only a week.
  • This restaurant is known for its low-quality service.
vulgar

Use 'vulgar' to describe something that is crude or offensive, often because it is lacking in good taste or refinement.

  • His vulgar jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The movie was criticized for its vulgar language and content.

Examples of usage

  • She always wears trashy clothes to parties.
  • The movie received negative reviews for its trashy dialogue and predictable plot.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Behaving in a way that is considered low-class or lacking refinement. Showing a lack of respect or consideration for oneself or others.

Synonyms

crass, disrespectful, indecent, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
trashy

Used to describe something of very poor quality or taste. Often applies to things seen as cheap or overly gaudy.

  • Her outfit was so flashy and trashy, it didn't seem appropriate for the formal event
vulgar

Describes something that lacks sophistication or good taste. Often implies something crude, rude, or indecent.

  • His vulgar language was not suitable for such a formal occasion
indecent

Refers to behavior or appearance that is not considered appropriate, often in a moral or societal sense. It can imply something sexually inappropriate or offensive.

  • Wearing such a revealing outfit to a church service was considered indecent
disrespectful

Used when someone shows a lack of respect or rudeness towards another person, especially in a context where respect is expected.

  • Interrupting your teacher while they are speaking is very disrespectful
crass

Generally refers to behavior showing a grossly insensitive or undiplomatic lack of consideration. It often implies a lack of refinement.

  • His crass joke during the meeting offended many of his colleagues

Examples of usage

  • His trashy behavior at the restaurant embarrassed his friends.
  • She had a reputation for being trashy because of her loud and obnoxious actions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'trashy' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from 'trash,' which refers to worthless material.
  • Originally, 'trashy' was used to describe objects made from waste materials, and over time, it evolved to describe low-quality things or people.
  • The term began to gain popularity in the 1970s within media circles, associating it with sensational and low-brow content.

Pop Culture

  • The word has been used extensively in reality television to describe shows that focus on drama and sensationalism.
  • In literature and film, characters labeled as 'trashy' often embody exaggerated stereotypes, making them memorable and humorous.
  • Trendy subcultures sometimes embrace the 'trashy' aesthetic, using it to challenge traditional views of taste and style.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that labeling something as 'trashy' can influence people's perceptions and judgments, often leading to social stigma.
  • People might enjoy 'trashy' media as a means of escapism, allowing them to explore wild, untidy narratives outside their everyday lives.
  • The enjoyment of 'trashy' content may relate to the human tendency to seek comfort in the familiar or relatable, even if it’s low-class.

Societal Views

  • Cultural perceptions of 'trashy' often reflect classism, where lower socio-economic status is dismissed as less valuable.
  • In recent years, the term has sparked discussions on the value of authenticity versus crafted aesthetics in social spaces.
  • Fashion often oscillates between what is considered classy and trashy, indicating a broader societal conversation about norms and values.

Translations

Translations of the word "trashy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lixo

🇮🇳 कचरा

🇩🇪 müllig

🇮🇩 sampah

🇺🇦 сміттєвий

🇵🇱 śmieciowy

🇯🇵 ゴミの

🇫🇷 poubelle

🇪🇸 basura

🇹🇷 çöp

🇰🇷 쓰레기의

🇸🇦 قمامة

🇨🇿 odpadkový

🇸🇰 odpadkový

🇨🇳 垃圾的

🇸🇮 smetarski

🇮🇸 rusl

🇰🇿 қоқысты

🇬🇪 ნაგავი

🇦🇿 zibil

🇲🇽 basura

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,986 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.