flashy

[flash-ee]

adjective

flashier, flashiest 

1. sparkling or brilliant, especially in a superficial way or for the moment.

   a flashy performance.

2. ostentatiously or vulgarly smart; showy; gaudy.

   flashy clothes.

flashy

/ ˈflæʃɪ /

adjective

1. brilliant and dazzling, esp for a short time or in a superficial way

2. cheap and ostentatious

Other Word Forms

• flashily adverb
• flashiness noun
• unflashy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flashy¹

First recorded in 1575–85; flash + -y ¹

Synonym Study

See gaudy ¹.

Example Sentences

Compared to his flashy contemporaries, he is known for his more laid-back flow and style — which is reflected in his humble Airbnb in Los Angeles with his guitar close by.

From Los Angeles Times

"They can show off these flashy advanced platforms, but are they organisationally agile to use them in the way they want to?"

From BBC

In a genre obsessed with flashy gimmicks, Rodriguez sticks to the traditional corrido sound across 13 tracks, setting himself apart from the crowd with his raw vocals and prickly guitar style.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe, like all the best underdogs — your second-favorite tote bag, the backup perfume you suddenly can’t live without — it doesn’t need to be flashy to be indispensable.

From Salon

Claire’s, the shopping mall chain that sells flashy accessories to teens and tweens, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday amid shrinking margins and pressure from online competitors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• garish 
• gaudy 
• glittering www.thesaurus.com
• glittery 
• jazzy 
• ostentatious 
• showy 
• snazzy 
• tacky