More elegant, sophisticated, or refined in style or appearance than something else.
Comparative form of 'classy,' which comes from 'class,' derived from Latin 'classis' (fleet or group). The 'classy' sense evolved from the idea of belonging to a superior class or group, and thus having refined qualities.
Funny enough, 'classy' is actually pretty recent slang—it became popular in the 1960s to mean sophisticated and cool, but the word 'class' has been used for thousands of years to describe divisions of society, so 'classy' basically means acting like you're in the 'upper class'!
Coded language with gendered undertones; 'class' judgments have historically targeted women's dress, manner, and sexuality as markers of moral worth. Applied asymmetrically to police femininity vs. masculinity.
Use 'sophisticated,' 'refined,' or 'elegant' for specific aesthetic qualities. Avoid 'classy/classier' as moral judgment, which carries gendered assumptions about worth.
["sophisticated","elegant","tasteful","refined"]
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