gold-plated
Coated in gilt
Gold-plated describes something covered with a thin layer of gold over a base metal—cheaper than solid gold but with the same appearance.
Figuratively, gold-plated means luxurious, expensive, or excessively generous: a gold-plated retirement package, gold-plated health benefits.
The figurative sense often carries a whiff of excess or unnecessary extravagance.
Showy, often tastelessly so
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- gaudyTastelessly ornate
- garishTastelessly showy
- glitzyShowily eye-catching
bling · tacky · vulgar · pretentious · overdone · excessive · flamboyant · brassy
Electrically depositing metal layers
- overlayCovering placed atop
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- finishBring to completion
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
flaking · bonding · microns · karat · deposit · substrate · adhesion · durability
Not the real thing
- fauxArtificial or imitation
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- simulatedMade to imitate reality
- knockoffUnauthorized replica product
ersatz · sham · bogus · phony · pseudo · replica · substitute · misleading
Premium quality tier
- premiumAdded cost for better
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- eliteSuperior select group
- upscaleElegant and expensive
deluxe · prestigious · affluent · extravagant · lavish · opulent · sumptuous · posh
Expanded with gas
- overpricedCosting more than warranted
- excessiveSurpassing reasonable bounds
- wastefulUsing resources carelessly
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
extravagant · bloated · padded · cushy · pension · parachute · benefits · contract
flashy
Showy, often tastelessly so
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- gaudyTastelessly ornate
- garishTastelessly showy
glitzy · bling · tacky · vulgar · pretentious · overdone · excessive · flamboyant · brassy · loud
electroplating
Electrically depositing metal layers
tarnish · flaking · bonding · microns · karat · deposit · substrate · adhesion · durability · thickness
fake
Not the real thing
- fauxArtificial or imitation
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- simulatedMade to imitate reality
knockoff · ersatz · sham · bogus · phony · pseudo · replica · substitute · misleading · deceptive
high-end
Premium quality tier
upscale · deluxe · prestigious · affluent · extravagant · lavish · opulent · sumptuous · posh · swanky
inflated
Expanded with gas
- overpricedCosting more than warranted
- excessiveSurpassing reasonable bounds
- wastefulUsing resources carelessly
unnecessary · extravagant · bloated · padded · cushy · pension · parachute · benefits · contract · guarantee
gold-platedsolid gold
Entirely of precious yellow metal
pure gold · solid · 24-karat · through-and-through · homogeneous
plate, gold, gild, plated, plating, gilded, gilding, gilt, goldsmith