Literary notes about Showy (AI summary)
In literature, "showy" is frequently used to evoke a sense of ostentation—whether describing an extravagant uniform that accentuates military stature [1, 2] or a lavish, visually striking environment such as a decorated hall or a flamboyant display of nature [3, 4]. At times, the term carries a critical note, suggesting superficiality, as when characters are depicted as more interested in dazzling appearances than in genuine substance [5, 6]. It also surfaces in contexts that highlight a contrast between refined elegance and gaudy excess, whether in apparel, architecture, or behavior [7, 8]. Overall, writers harness "showy" to underscore the tension between genuine merit and decorative display.
- The popular idol of the hour was General Winfield Scott, of an imposing personal appearance which was set off by a showy uniform.
— from Charles Carleton Coffin: War Correspondent, Traveller, Author, and Statesman by William Elliot Griffis - The Grand Duke was dressed in the handsome and showy uniform of a Cossack officer.
— from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain - Never before, in all my walks, have I met so glorious a throng of these fine showy liliaceous plants.
— from Steep Trails California, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, the Grand Canyon by John Muir - Carrie noted the elegantly carpeted and decorated hall, the marbled lobby, and showy waiting-room.
— from Sister Carrie: A Novel by Theodore Dreiser - Showy talkers are not really well-informed. 26.
— from Symbolic Logic by Lewis Carroll - The former, she said, was showy and specious, and likely to allure young persons.
— from The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb - My raiment was of silks and velvets and cloth of gold, and by consequence was very showy, also uncomfortable.
— from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain - “My dear, it is not your fault, but I’ve said it before, and I say it again—you are showy !
— from The Lady of the Basement Flat by Vaizey, George de Horne, Mrs.
