I. gaudy ˈgȯdē, ˈgäd-, -di adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: gaud (I) + -y
: ostentatiously fine : making a pretentious but often hollow show of excellence, elegance, beauty, richness, or worth : having show without substance
Synonyms:
: tawdry , garish , flashy , meretricious : gaudy may suggest cheap showiness of taste, over-bright coloration, or vulgarly excessive and conspicuous ornamentation
he was dressed in a gaudy costume, resembling on the whole that of a Highland chieftain. His knees, wrists, and throat were tattooed in bright blue patterns; and he carried sword and dagger, a gold ring round his neck, and gold rings on his wrists — Charles Kingsley
swarthy Mojaves, garbed in gaudy scarlets, blues, and yellows — American Guide Series: California
tawdry always adds connotations of cheap pretension to those of gaudy
decorated in tawdry baroque, it might have been built about thirty years ago and not repainted since. On the ceiling, an immense pink, blue and gold design of cherubim, roses, and clouds was peeled and patched with damp — Christopher Isherwood
garish may suggest offensive or harsh unrestrained brightness
the garish splendor of the orchis — D.G.Hoffman
“a red scarf?” said John pensively. “I have noted his taste for colors more garish than perhaps beseems a servant. Usually it was violet, whether scarf or cloak” — J.H.Wheelwright
flashy may apply to the facilely gay or momentarily dazzling that is speedily revealed as shallow and vulgar
I liked the flaring yellow scarf bound loose about her throat, I liked her showy purple gown and flashy velvet coat — Ralph Hodgson
meretricious may suggest the tawdry allure of false show or promise
his smile was wide and rather meretricious, that exaggerated photograph-smile so often seen (as if only happiness should be recorded). She could imagine how it had faded the moment the camera clicked — Elizabeth Taylor
girls who deck themselves with gems, false hair, and meretricious ornament, to chain the fleeting fancy of a man — W.S.Gilbert
II. gau·dy noun
( -es )
Etymology: probably from Latin gaudium joy — more at joy
: a feast, festival, or entertainment especially in the form of an annual college dinner in a British university