Definition

The quality of being cheap, showy, or in bad taste, often referring to something that is gaudy or lacking in elegance.

Example

The tawdriness of the decorations made the event feel less sophisticated.

Conversation

Have you seen that new store downtown?

Yeah, I walked by it, but it seemed full of tawdriness.

I thought the same! It felt like everything was just cheap and flashy.

Exactly! I prefer shops with more character and quality.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tawdriness → The word 'tawdry' originates from the phrase 'Saint Audrey's lace' (from Old English *Æðelþryð*, meaning noble strength), which referred to cheap, showy ornaments sold at the fair in honor of Saint Audrey. The suffix '-ness' (meaning the state or quality of) indicates the quality of being tawdry. Thus, 'tawdriness' refers to the state of being cheap or gaudy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tawdry' as something that originated from a noble name but became associated with cheapness, so 'tawdriness' means the quality of being gaudy or showy in a cheap way.

Visually Confused Words