ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shiny

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈʃaɪni// UK //ʃˈaɪni// shiny Archaic General-service Informal Slang Vulgar

adj. having a bright surface that reflects light well. You use this to describe things like new coins, clean glass, or polished shoes.

adj. reflecting light brightly; having a smooth, polished surface. Often used to describe the appearance of new or well-maintained objects.


SIMPLE

The new car has a very shiny finish.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent the morning polishing the silver until it was shiny enough to see her reflection.

COMPLEX

The architect selected a facade of shiny, brushed aluminum to contrast with the matte texture of the surrounding concrete buildings.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From shine + -y (adjectival suffix).

Etymology 2

From shine + -y (noun suffix).

Etymology 3

Contraction of "shiny arse", originated during World War II. https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=mAdUqLrKw4YC&pg=PA1717

Usage

Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'look'.

Idioms1 entry

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