glitz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “glitz” mean?
Excessive, showy, and often cheap or superficial glamour and ostentation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive, showy, and often cheap or superficial glamour and ostentation.
The flashy, glamorous, and attention-grabbing aspects of entertainment, fashion, or wealth, often associated with a lack of genuine substance or sophistication. It can describe the visual spectacle of events, places, or lifestyles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are nearly identical. The word originated in American English in the 1960s but is now fully naturalised in British English.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with Hollywood and the American entertainment industry globally, but the connotation of superficial flashiness is universal.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its origin and association with Hollywood, but common in UK media, especially when discussing celebrity culture, awards shows, or Las Vegas-style venues.
Grammar
How to Use “glitz” in a Sentence
[The + adjective] glitz of + [noun phrase] (e.g., the empty glitz of the ceremony)Away from/Beneath the glitz + [clause] (e.g., beneath the glitz lies real talent)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glitz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They tried to glitz up the old theatre with neon lights.
- The magazine article was just glitzed-up gossip.
American English
- The network glitzed up the awards show with more pyrotechnics.
- He glitzed his presentation with fancy graphics but weak data.
adjective
British English
- The glitzy premiere was full of celebrities.
- It's a glitzy but soulless new casino.
American English
- Las Vegas is the ultimate glitzy destination.
- The ad campaign was too glitzy for our brand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically in marketing/branding discussions: 'The campaign was all glitz, no clear message.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in cultural/media studies critiquing celebrity or consumer culture.
Everyday
Used to describe overly flashy parties, decorations, or people's style: 'The wedding had too much glitz for my taste.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glitz”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “glitz”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glitz”
- Using it as a positive synonym for 'glamour' (e.g., 'She loved the elegant glitz of the ball' – incorrect, should be 'glamour').
- Using it as a verb outside very informal creative contexts ('to glitz something up').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily negative or critical, suggesting showiness is excessive, cheap, or superficial. Neutral use ('the glitz of Hollywood') is possible but still carries a hint of critique.
'Glamour' suggests an attractive, exciting, and often sophisticated appeal. 'Glitz' is a negative subset of glamour, implying it's flashy, artificial, and lacking in substance.
Yes, but informally. 'To glitz (something) up' means to make it showier or flashier, often in a tacky way (e.g., 'They glitzed up the website with animations').
It is a mid-20th century (1960s) American English creation, a blend of 'glitter' and 'ritzy' (meaning stylish or luxurious).
Excessive, showy, and often cheap or superficial glamour and ostentation.
Glitz is usually informal in register.
Glitz: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “glitz and glam(our)”
- “all glitz and no substance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'glitz' as 'GLITter' that's a bi'T' 'S'hiny – it's all about the shiny surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY/SUBSTANCE IS DEPTH; LACK OF QUALITY IS SUPERFICIAL SHININESS (glitz is the shiny, reflective surface that hides what's beneath).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'glitz' used correctly?