gaud

Tasteless bright ornament

A gaud is a showy ornament or trinket, typically cheap or tasteless.

The word carries a whiff of disapproval—gauds are flashy without being fine, decorative without being beautiful: The Christmas tree was loaded with gauds and tinsel.

The related adjective gaudy is more common.

ornament

trinket

Small worthless ornament

  • baubleShowy, worthless ornament
  • bijouSmall precious ornament
  • beadPierced ornament for threading

charm · pendant · brooch · locket · medallion · amulet · gewgaw · knickknack · tchotchke · gimcrack

showy

flashy

Showy, often tastelessly so

kitsch · bling · brassy · loud · vulgar · ostentatious · flamboyant · tacky · cheap · tasteless

Opposites
aesthetic value and taste

gaudtreasure

Valued wealth or keepsake

heirloom · gem · jewel · objet d'art · masterpiece

monetary and intrinsic value

gaudgem

Polished precious stone

jewel · precious stone · valuable · crown jewel · treasure

visual presentation

gaudunderstated elegance

Sophisticated style without excess

simplicity · refinement · subtlety · minimalist design · timeless elegance

Phrases
Family

gaudy, gaudiness, gaudily

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G