A showy ornament or trinket of little value; something bright and attractive but lacking taste or sophistication.
From Latin 'gaudium' (joy or rejoicing), via Old French 'gaud,' the evolution reflecting how showy displays became associated with cheap, joyful decorations rather than true beauty.
It's fascinating that 'gaud' comes from the Latin word for 'joy'—showy, cheap decorations genuinely make people happy, which is why dollar stores and Christmas lights are so addictive.
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