tawdry crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "tawdry crossword," along with explanations to help you understand why each answer fits. We've got answers for various lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly.
Solutions for "tawdry crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CHEAP: An item or appearance that is cheap often lacks taste or quality, fitting the 'tawdry' description.
GAUDY: This word directly implies something showy in a tasteless or vulgar way, a common synonym for tawdry.
TACKY: Meaning in poor taste or quality, 'tacky' is a strong contender for 'tawdry' in a crossword.
6 Letters
GARISH: Describes something unpleasantly bright or showy, perfectly aligning with the concept of tawdriness.
FLASHY: Showy, ostentatious, often in a cheap or vulgar way, making it a good fit for 'tawdry'.
More About "tawdry crossword"
The word "tawdry" is a descriptive adjective used to characterize something that is showy but cheap and of poor quality. It often applies to items of clothing, jewelry, or decorations that are designed to attract attention through their bright, often garish, appearance, but ultimately lack sophistication or true value. In crosswords, clues like "tawdry" are popular because they require solvers to delve into synonyms that capture this specific nuance of cheap flashiness.
Understanding the etymology can sometimes help; "tawdry" originally referred to a cheap and showy lace or ribbon sold at St. Audrey's Fair in England. Over time, the term evolved to describe anything that is showy but of little value. This rich history provides a good context for why its synonyms often relate to appearance and quality, making it a recurring and interesting challenge in puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances of Synonyms: For clues like "tawdry," don't just think of general synonyms for "bad" or "cheap." Focus on words that specifically imply a gaudy or overly showy lack of taste, as these are the most likely answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the given letter count immediately. This helps eliminate many possibilities and narrows down the field significantly, especially for common words like "cheap" or "gaudy."
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Even one or two confirmed letters can greatly simplify finding the correct answer for a tricky clue like "tawdry."
- Think of Context: While "tawdry" itself doesn't have a specific context in this clue, other clues might. Always consider if the puzzle has a theme or if other answers give hints about the type of vocabulary being used.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tawdry' generally mean?
The word 'tawdry' describes something that is showy but cheap and of poor quality. It often implies a tasteless or vulgar display, especially in terms of appearance or ornamentation.
Why is 'tawdry' a common crossword clue?
'Tawdry' is a popular clue because it has several strong synonyms of varying lengths, such as cheap, gaudy, tacky, and garish. This allows puzzle setters flexibility and challenges solvers to think about nuances of meaning.
How can I remember the meaning of 'tawdry'?
A good way to remember 'tawdry' is to associate it with 'trashy' or 'tacky.' Think of cheap, flashy jewelry or decorations that might be showy but ultimately lack real value or taste.