ritz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, often humorous or mildly ironic.
Quick answer
What does “ritz” mean?
An ostentatiously elegant, luxurious, or exclusive environment or lifestyle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ostentatiously elegant, luxurious, or exclusive environment or lifestyle.
The name of a famous luxury hotel chain, often used as a byword for glamour, opulence, and sophistication; can refer to a state of great style or the pinnacle of something in its field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly, but the idiom 'put on the ritz' is slightly more established in AmE due to the famous Irving Berlin song. The verb form 'to ritz (someone)' meaning to treat someone as inferior is essentially obsolete but originated in AmE.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of aspirational luxury and showiness. Can be used sincerely ('It was like the ritz') or ironically to mock pretension ('She thinks her new flat is the ritz').
Frequency
Moderate and stable in both; common in journalism for metaphorical use (e.g., 'the ritz of the car world').
Grammar
How to Use “ritz” in a Sentence
to put on the ritzto live like (the) ritzthe ritz of [industry/category]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ritz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They're planning to ritz up the old pub for the wedding.
American English
- He felt they were trying to ritz him out of the exclusive club.
adjective
American English
- She loved the ritz atmosphere of the new casino.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for premium branding or service (e.g., 'the Ritz-Carlton of software').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or historical studies referencing luxury brands or early 20th-century society.
Everyday
Informal comparisons to denote something is very fancy (e.g., 'This hotel breakfast is the ritz!').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ritz”
- Using 'ritz' as a standard adjective (*'a very ritz party') instead of in set phrases or as a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When referring specifically to the hotel chain, it is capitalized ('The Ritz'). When used generically to mean luxury or showiness, it is usually lowercase ('put on the ritz').
Yes, but it's informal and relatively rare. It means to make something more luxurious or to treat someone snobbishly (e.g., 'ritz something up').
It means to make a show of luxury, elegance, or wealth, especially through dress and behaviour.
It depends on context. It can be positive (suggesting admirable luxury) or slightly negative/ironic (suggesting pretentious or excessive showiness).
An ostentatiously elegant, luxurious, or exclusive environment or lifestyle.
Ritz is usually informal, often humorous or mildly ironic. in register.
Ritz: in British English it is pronounced /rɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put on the ritz”
- “live like the Ritz”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'glitz and RITZ' – both words rhyme and suggest flashy, sparkling luxury.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS A PLACE (The Ritz Hotel).
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the common meaning of 'ritz'?