“Tawdry” is an adjective used to describe something that is cheap, gaudy, and showy, often with little or no taste or style. It refers to things that may appear flashy or attractive at first glance but lack genuine elegance or quality. The term is commonly used to criticize or express disapproval of something that is overly ornate, ostentatious, or tacky. “Tawdry” can also be used to describe behavior or actions that are vulgar or lacking in dignity. Overall, it denotes a lack of refinement and sophistication, often associated with things that are considered in poor taste or of low quality.
In Indonesian, the equivalent term for “tawdry” is “murahan” or “kemewahan semu.”
Sample sentences using “tawdry” or “murahan”:
- The hotel’s lobby was adorned with tawdry decorations, giving it a cheap and unappealing appearance.
- She regretted buying the tawdry necklace, realizing that it looked gaudy and artificial.
- The play’s production was criticized for its tawdry sets and costumes that lacked artistic flair.
- The politician’s tawdry behavior scandalized the public and damaged his reputation.
- The mansion’s lavish exterior masked the tawdry construction and shoddy materials used.
- The event’s tawdry entertainment disappointed the guests expecting a more sophisticated experience.
- The fashion show featured tawdry outfits that drew attention for all the wrong reasons.
- The shop sold tawdry souvenirs that did not represent the true essence of the city’s culture.
- Her speech was full of tawdry language, alienating many in the audience.
- The reality TV show was criticized for its tawdry portrayal of exaggerated drama and conflicts.
Synonyms:
- Gaudy
- Cheap
- Tacky
- Tasteless
- Vulgar
- Flashy
- Gilt
- Tinsel
- Tinselly
- Showy
- Tinselled
- Brassy
- Tawny
- Flamboyant
- Ostentatious
- Glimmery
- Glistening
- Glittering
- Glimmering
- Gilded
- Loud
The Gilded Mirage
In the heart of the bustling city stood an old, dilapidated theater known as “The Gilded Mirage.” Once a symbol of opulence and grandeur, it had succumbed to the ravages of time, transforming into a haven for the gaudy and the cheap. Its marquee, adorned with tacky neon lights, flickered hesitantly, signaling a sense of faded glamour.
As the doors creaked open, visitors were greeted by an onslaught of tasteless extravagance. The interiors were a mishmash of vulgar colors, and every inch was covered in flashy embellishments. A chandelier, dripping with gilt and tinsel, swayed precariously overhead, casting a tinselly glow on the mismatched, showy furnishings.
The stage, once graced by dignified performances, now hosted a troupe of performers clad in tinselled costumes and brassy accessories. The audience, seated on worn-out velvet chairs, was surrounded by an orchestra of loud colors and shimmering fabrics. The air itself seemed to shimmer with a glimmery, almost surreal quality.
In the midst of this flamboyant chaos, a mysterious figure emerged. Draped in an ostentatious cloak, adorned with jewels that seemed to be both glistening and glittering, the enigmatic performer took center stage. The audience was captivated, not by the refinement of the act, but by the sheer audacity of its presentation.
As the spectacle unfolded, the once-muted echoes of the theater reverberated with the clashing notes of a bygone era. The patrons, initially skeptical of the gilded allure, found themselves entranced by the absurdity of the performance. It was a surreal journey through a labyrinth of tawny dreams and extravagant nightmares.
In the end, “The Gilded Mirage” stood not as a relic of elegance but as a testament to the enduring allure of the loud, the glimmering, and the unabashedly gaudy. The show might have been tasteless to some, but within its walls, a peculiar charm emerged—a celebration of the delightfully excessive and the boldly ostentatious.
Antonyms:
- Elegant
- Refined
- Sophisticated
- Classy
- Stylish
- Subtle
- Understated
- Modest
- Plain
- Unpretentious
- Simple
- Neat
- Tasteful
- Chic
- Graceful
- Delicate
- Dignified
- Exquisite
- Polished
- Distinctive
Whispers of Elegance
In the heart of the city, there existed a quaint little bookstore named “Whispers of Elegance.” Stepping through its doors, one was instantly transported into a realm of elegant simplicity and literary charm. The interior was a haven of refined taste, adorned with bookshelves that stretched towards the ceiling, each holding a treasure trove of stories.
The ambiance of the bookstore was not just sophisticated; it was an ode to the art of storytelling. The dim lighting created a classy aura, inviting readers to lose themselves in the pages of carefully selected novels. The oak furniture, with its stylish curves, exuded a sense of timeless grace.
The owner, a woman of subtle sophistication, had an eye for the understated and the modest. Her personal touch was evident in the choice of every book, every piece of furniture, and every decorative detail. The color palette was intentionally plain, allowing the books to stand out in their unadorned beauty.
The bookstore’s charm lay in its unpretentious demeanor. It was a sanctuary for those who sought the beauty of the written word in its purest form. The atmosphere was simple yet profound, each corner exuding a sense of neat order and literary allure.
The patrons, dressed in attires ranging from the casually tasteful to the effortlessly chic, moved through the aisles with a sense of quiet reverence. The hushed whispers and the occasional flip of a page contributed to the overall graceful ambiance.
In a corner, a small reading nook featured a collection of delicate and dignified chairs, where readers could immerse themselves in the exquisite prose of timeless classics. The room itself seemed to emanate an aura of polished charm, as if the very essence of literary distinction had settled within its walls.
“Whispers of Elegance” was more than a bookstore; it was a haven for those who appreciated the distinctive beauty of literature and the art of living with an elegant simplicity. The stories within the books spoke volumes, and the ambiance echoed the timeless truth that true elegance lies in the profound and the understated.
Related words:
- Tawdry decorations
- Tawdry appearance
- Tawdry behavior
- Tawdry materials
- Tawdry entertainment
- Gaudiness
- Vulgarity
- Flashiness
- Tackiness
- Gaud
- Glitz
- Kitsch
- Tinsel
- Gilt
- Showiness
- Tinselry
- Brashness
- Tawdriness
- Ostentation
- Flamboyance
- Excess
- Glimmer
- Glitter
- Extravagance
- Loudness
Spectacle of Tawdry Elegance
In the heart of the city, there existed a once-regal ballroom that had fallen victim to a peculiar charm—an overdose of tawdry decorations and an overwhelming tawdry appearance that defied the conventional notions of elegance. The grand chandeliers, once dripping with sophistication, now hung low, adorned with an excessive array of tinsel, gilt, and questionable embellishments.
The attendees, clad in a mishmash of gaudy outfits, reveled in the allure of their own tawdry behavior. The air was thick with an intoxicating blend of gaudiness and unapologetic vulgarity. It was a gathering where the lines between flamboyance and tastelessness blurred into a spectacle of ostentatious indulgence.
The stage, a canvas for the evening’s tawdry entertainment, showcased performances that oscillated between sheer flashiness and a surreal kitsch. The dancers, bedecked in glitzy costumes, moved with an unapologetic brashness, their movements echoing the very essence of the night—excess.
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, a lone figure emerged, draped in an outfit that personified the epitome of tawdriness. With every step, the individual exuded an undeniable aura of ostentation, embracing the philosophy that more was, indeed, more.
The room itself shimmered with an excessive glimmer and the occasional sparkle of misplaced glitter. It was a testament to the unrestrained extravagance that had taken residence within those walls, defying the boundaries of subtlety and ushering in an era of unapologetic loudness.
As the night unfolded, the attendees reveled in the paradox of their surroundings—a celebration of the flamboyant and the excessive, an acknowledgment that even within the realm of tawdriness, a peculiar form of elegance could emerge. The ballroom, with its gaudy charm, stood as a testament to the audacity of those who dared to redefine elegance in their own, unconventional terms.
Phrasal verbs:
- Avoid tawdry displays
- Remove tawdry elements
- Embrace less tawdry options
- Expose tawdry practices
Idioms:
- The impact of tawdry fashion on style trends
- Navigating the allure of tawdry attractions
- The consequences of adopting a tawdry lifestyle
- The need to cultivate refined taste over tawdry preferences
- The importance of recognizing genuine elegance amid tawdry imitations
Conclusion: “Tawdry” is an adjective used to describe something that is cheap, showy, and lacking genuine elegance or quality. In Indonesian, it is translated as “murahan” or “kemewahan semu.” The term carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of sophistication and taste. Recognizing tawdry attributes prompts individuals to seek genuine elegance and quality in their choices, be it in fashion, design, or behavior. Avoiding the allure of tawdry elements can lead to a more refined and sophisticated lifestyle. As societies continue to evolve, embracing genuine elegance over flashy displays can contribute to a greater appreciation for refined aesthetics and more meaningful experiences. Fostering a sense of genuine elegance allows individuals to value quality over superficial appearances, enriching their lives with enduring beauty and substance.
