See Also: arsy-versy(dictionary)
topsy-versy(dictionary)

ostentatious (iou) and arsy-versy (iou)


ostentatious (iou)



ostentatious adjective. L16.
[from OSTENTATION + -IOUS.]
Characterized by ostentation; intended or intending to attract attention or admiration, esp. of wealth or luxury; pretentious, showy. L16.
J. G. Ballard A group of long-term unemployed..provoked by the ostentatious display of privilege and prosperity.
Likely to attract attention; conspicuous. E18-L19.
ostentatiously adverb E18.
ostentatiousness noun M17.

arsy-versy (iou)



arsy-versy adverb & adjective. Now dial. & coarse slang. M16.
[from ARSE noun + Latin versus turned, with -Y1 added to both elems. to make a jingle.]
A. adverb. Backside foremost; upside down; contrariwise; perversely. M16.
B. adjective. Contrary; perverse. Only in 17.