Gaud

A gaud is a showy, ostentatious object, often a piece of jewelry, a trinket, or ornamentation, typically considered to be tawdry or tasteless due to its excessive ornamentation, cheap materials, or overly elaborate design. It implies a lack of genuine beauty or refinement. The term suggests an attempt at elegance that ultimately falls short, often appearing garish or vulgar. Historically, 'gaud' could also refer to a trick, a deception, or something that is used to deceive or lure someone. Modern usage primarily focuses on the definition of a showy, cheap ornament. The emphasis lies on the perceived lack of intrinsic value or aesthetic merit.

Gaud meaning with examples

• She scoffed at the engagement ring, dismissing it as a gaud. The oversized diamond, surrounded by flashing smaller stones, appeared gaudy and cheap, not reflecting true elegance. It seemed more like a desperate attempt to impress rather than a symbol of genuine affection, a blatant display of wealth with no real beauty. The intricate setting felt excessive and tasteless.
• The shop's window displayed a profusion of gauds: cheap plastic jewelry, brightly colored scarves, and glittery trinkets. The garish display, clearly targeting tourists with unsophisticated tastes, lacked any aesthetic appeal or design sensibility. It was a cacophony of colors and materials, a testament to the commercialization of what was perceived as 'luxury' but what was actually simply cheap ornamentation.
• He considered the trophy a gaud, a hollow symbol of superficial success. The gold plating and elaborate engraving failed to disguise the lack of true accomplishment. The emphasis was on the appearance of prestige rather than the substance of hard work or genuine skill. It represented an empty victory, achieved through manipulative tactics.
• The ballroom was filled with gauds, opulent chandeliers, and gilded furniture, attempting to create an aura of grandeur. However, the effect was overwhelming. The excessive decorations and the sheer amount of gilt made the room feel oppressive and lacking in real elegance, a blatant display of shallow wealth. It felt cheap rather than luxurious.
• She discarded the gaud necklace; the imitation gemstones felt tacky and the design was vulgar. The necklace did not give her a sense of pride, merely an awareness of its cheapness. It was a poor attempt at replicating something beautiful. She valued understated elegance and timeless design over showy, inauthentic ornamentation.