Chintzier

/ˈtʃɪntziər/ adjective

Definition

Comparative form of chintzy; more cheap-looking, stingy, or of lower quality.

Etymology

From 'chintzy' (cheap or showy) plus comparative suffix -er. The negative meaning developed in the early 1900s as chintz fabric became mass-produced and associated with gaudy or poor-quality goods.

Kelly Says

It's wild that the same fabric that made Indian artisans famous became an insult—'chintzier' shows how things considered exotic luxuries can become symbols of tackiness once they're mass-produced and overdone.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.