shiny
adj. · n.-
1 reflecting light (adj.) B1 Intermediatehaving a smooth surface that reflects light and looks bright.
having a smooth, polished surface that reflects light brightly and clearly.
ExampleThe child found a shiny new coin on the pavement.
ExampleThe car's shiny exterior reflected the neon signs of the city as it sped through the rain-slicked streets.
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2 excellent (adj.) C1 Advanced Informalvery good or impressive.
denoting something of high quality or excellence; often used to describe a performance or a new object.
ExampleHe did a shiny job on the presentation and everyone was impressed.
ExampleThe team delivered a shiny performance during the finals, exceeding the expectations of even their most cynical critics.
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3 a bright trinket (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala small, bright, or attractive object that catches your eye.
an informal term for a bright, glittering object or a small piece of jewellery.
ExampleThe bird likes to collect shinies like foil and silver buttons.
ExampleThe toddler was momentarily distracted from his tantrum by the collection of colourful shinies hanging from the Christmas tree.
- trinket
- bauble
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4 a rare collectible (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala rare version of a card or toy that has a special bright finish.
a desirable and often rare version of a collectible item, such as a trading card, featuring a holographic or metallic finish.
ExampleHe was lucky enough to find a rare shiny in his first pack of cards.
ExampleCollectors are often willing to pay a significant premium for a shiny version of an otherwise common trading card.
From shine + -y (adjectival suffix).
From shine + -y (noun suffix).
Contraction of "shiny arse", originated during World War II. https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mAdUqLrKw4YC&pg=PA1717