Word
flashy
US/ˈfɫæʃi/
UK/flˈæʃi/
Informal
Definition
adj. looking expensive or impressive in a way that is meant to get attention. It often suggests that something is a bit too bright or showy.
adj. ostentatiously attractive or impressive, often in a way that suggests a lack of taste or substance. Frequently describes objects, clothing, or behavior intended to signal wealth.
Examples
“He drives a flashy red sports car to impress his friends.”
“The hotel lobby was filled with flashy gold decorations that felt a bit overwhelming for a business trip.”
“While the marketing campaign was flashy and expensive, it failed to address the fundamental flaws in the product's design that consumers had been complaining about for months.”
Examples
simple
“He drives a flashy red sports car to impress his friends.”
contextual
“The hotel lobby was filled with flashy gold decorations that felt a bit overwhelming for a business trip.”
complex
“While the marketing campaign was flashy and expensive, it failed to address the fundamental flaws in the product's design that consumers had been complaining about for months.”
Usage
Often carries a negative connotation of being shallow or over-the-top.
Real-World Examples
“Some people like flashy cars and houses, me personally like to travel and see the world a bit," another said.” “Viewers familiar with Kusama’s flashy polka dots may be surprised to see her bright color schemes in a painting she named “ The Pacific Ocean ,” which looks more like fire than water.” Etymology
From flash + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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