tinselly

English

Etymology

tinsel +‎ -y

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɪnsəli/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

Adjective

tinselly (comparative more tinselly, superlative most tinselly)

1. Resembling or adorned with tinsel.
   • 2007, Scott Smith, A Simple Plan:

     Christmas decorations clung to the light poles lining the street — green, red, and white tinselly creations: snowmen, Santas, reindeer, candy canes...

2. (figurative) Gaudy, superficial; offering attraction without depth.
   • 1978, Edward Lewis Wallant, The Pawnbroker:

     She was a light-skinned girl of frail and tinselly beauty […]

   • 1984, Louise T Reynolds, The New Renaissance:

     ...the insurance money his death would provide might help his sons to become the tinselly images of a perfect salesman he had so foolishly hoped to be […]

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