ritzy

If something is ritzy, it's fancy, expensive, and linked to wealth or high society. Think glittering chandeliers, velvet ropes, and a hefty price tag. It's not just about being nice; it's about showing off a sense of luxury. You might describe a hotel as ritzy if it has every comfort you can imagine, or a neighborhood as ritzy if it's full of mansions and designer boutiques. The word comes from the Ritz hotels, which became famous for their luxury.

The term often suggests a bit of showiness or even snobbery. Something can be expensive without being ritzy, but ritzy usually suggests an effort to impress through wealth. You wouldn't describe your cozy, comfortable home as ritzy; you'd use it for a glass-walled penthouse overlooking Central Park.

The word ritzy describes something that is extremely luxurious, fashionable, and expensive—often associated with a glamorous lifestyle or high social status. It goes beyond simply being "nice" or "high-quality"; it implies an ostentatious display of wealth and sophistication. The origin of the word comes directly from the famous Ritz hotels, renowned globally for their opulent accommodations and elite clientele.

You might describe a ritzy restaurant as having crisp white tablecloths, attentive service, and a menu filled with exotic (and pricey!) dishes. A ritzy neighborhood is likely to feature sprawling, well-maintained estates, high-end designer shops, and exclusive social clubs. It's frequently used to describe places or events frequented by the wealthy and the "it" crowd.

However, ritzy can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting pretentiousness or superficiality. While it acknowledges luxury, it also hints at an intentional effort to dazzle others with material possessions. For example, you might say, "The party was incredibly ritzy, but it felt a bit hollow."

In short, if something is dripping in extravagance, designed to impress, and evokes images of high-society glamour, it's ritzy. It's more than just a price tag; it's about the aura of wealth.