How Do You Spell TAWDRINESS?

Pronunciation: [tˈɔːdɹɪnəs] (IPA)

Tawdriness is spelled with two syllables: TAW-dree-ness. The word is pronounced /ˈtɔːdrinɪs/. The first syllable, "TAW," rhymes with the word "saw," and the second syllable, "dree," rhymes with the word "tree." The final syllable, "ness," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in the word "bit." Tawdriness refers to something that is cheap or gaudy in a vulgar way. It can be used to describe clothing, jewelry, or any other item that is excessively flashy or over-the-top.

TAWDRINESS Meaning and Definition

1. Tawdriness refers to the quality of something being cheap, flashy, or tastelessly showy in appearance or behavior. The term typically implies a lack of refinement or elegance. The word "tawdry" itself comes from the Old English word "tawdry" or "taudry," which was a shortened form of "Saint Audrey" or "St. Ethelreda," the name of a 7th-century English saint whose feast day was associated with a fair where gaudy, cheap trinkets and ribbons were sold.

   In a figurative sense, tawdriness can also connote a shabby or morally dubious quality, suggesting a lack of integrity or sophistication. It often pertains to something that is designed to be attractive or eye-catching, but is ultimately lacking in substance or genuine value.

   Tawdriness can be observed in various contexts, such as fashion, interior design, or entertainment. For example, a garishly decorated room with excessively loud colors, tacky furniture, and over-the-top embellishments could be described as tawdry. Similarly, a person who behaves in an ostentatious or vulgar manner, seeking attention through cheap or brash means, might also be considered tawdry.

   Overall, tawdriness is associated with an aesthetic or behavioral gaudiness that is characterized by a lack of refinement and taste. It often implies a superficial attempt to impress or attract attention, without genuine substance or quality.

Common Misspellings for TAWDRINESS

• tadiness
• rawdriness
• fawdriness
• gawdriness
• yawdriness
• 6awdriness
• 5awdriness
• tzwdriness
• tswdriness
• twwdriness
• tqwdriness
• taqdriness
• taadriness
• tasdriness
• taedriness
• tawdrineses
• tawdrienss
• Tawardness
• Tawdreness
• Taudreness
• Towdriness
• Tawdrinnes

Etymology of TAWDRINESS

The word "tawdriness" comes from the Middle English term "tawdry". This word originally referred to a cheap and showy neck ornament or lace, typically sold at the annual St. Audrey Fair in England during the 16th century. The fair took place at Ely in Cambridgeshire and was originally dedicated to St. Etheldreda, also known as St. Audrey. The term "tawdry" evolved to describe any gaudy or tasteless display, leading to the use of "tawdriness" to denote the quality of being showy, garish, or lacking in elegance.

Similar spelling word for TAWDRINESS

• tadorna.

Plural form of TAWDRINESS is TAWDRINESSES