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tawdry
Tawdry (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does tawdry mean?
Flashy or showy, but with little real value or substance, and often in bad taste.
"The tawdry nightclub was known for its sleazy atmosphere and questionable clientele."
Detailed Meaning of Tawdry
It can also be used to describe a person or their behavior that is cheap, gaudy or tasteless. Tawdry can also be used to describe something that is morally or ethically questionable, or that is not of good quality or value. It can also be used to describe something that is in bad taste or that is not appropriate for the situation. Tawdry is often used to describe things that are considered to be in poor taste, or that are not genuine or authentic, and that are often associated with a lack of class or sophistication.
Example Sentences for Tawdry
1. The tawdry jewelry at the flea market was a far cry from genuine gems.
2. The tabloid's tawdry headlines sensationalized celebrities' scandals.
3. The tawdry motel had neon signs and outdated décor.
4. Her tawdry behavior at the party shocked the guests.
5. The souvenir shop sold tawdry trinkets for tourists.
6. The tawdry comedy show relied on crude humor for laughs.
Origin and Etymology of Tawdry
The adjective 'tawdry' has its roots in the 17th century and is believed to be a contraction of the phrase 'Saint Audrey,' referring to St. Audrey, also known as St. Etheldreda, a 7th-century English saint known for her piety and modesty. Saint Audrey's Day, held in her honor, featured a fair where cheap and gaudy lace necklaces and trinkets were sold. Over time, the term 'tawdry lace' came to signify inexpensive and showy adornments. Thus, 'tawdry' evolved to describe anything flashy or showy but lacking real value or substance, often in bad taste. The etymology of 'tawdry' reflects the historical association with cheap jewelry and ornaments that may appear extravagant but lack the quality or authenticity of more substantial items, making it a fitting term to describe something superficially attractive but ultimately lacking depth or value.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the adjective tawdry:
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More Usage Examples of Tawdry
1. The gossip magazine featured tawdry stories of infidelity.
2. The film's tawdry plot focused on shallow relationships.
3. The politician's tawdry scandals tarnished his reputation.
4. The reality TV show thrived on tawdry drama and conflicts.
5. The dilapidated amusement park had a tawdry atmosphere.
6. The nightclub's tawdry decorations were over the top.
7. The restaurant's tawdry menu offered cheap, greasy food.
8. The tawdry romance novel was full of clichéd plotlines.
9. The flashy car had a tawdry paint job with gaudy colors.
10. The tawdry costume party encouraged outrageous outfits.
11. The gossip columnist's writing was known for its tawdry tales.
12. The old theater had tawdry velvet seats and peeling wallpaper.
13. The reality show contestants engaged in tawdry arguments.
14. The tacky roadside attraction was filled with tawdry exhibits.
15. The tawdry nightclub had a reputation for wild parties.
16. The movie's tawdry humor was a hit with certain audiences.
17. The billboard advertised a tawdry adult entertainment club.
18. The fashion show featured tawdry outfits designed to shock.
19. The magazine cover featured a tawdry celebrity scandal.
Synonyms and Related Words for Tawdry
Related Vocabulary Practice
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT