"very flashy" vs. "very flash"

Question

Person A asks person B what he or she thinks about his/her new car (or whatever) and person B responds with:

"It's very flashy" (1) or "It's very flash" (2)

(1) seems to be the more common expression, but is there any difference in meaning between (1) and (2)?

Thanks.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Person A asks person B what he or she thinks about his/her new car (or whatever) and person B responds ... and (2)? I've never heard (2) but then it might be slang that is hipper than I want to be.[/nq]

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1]Person A asks person B what he or she thinks about his/her new car (or whatever) and person B responds ... (1) seems to be the more common expression, but is there any difference in meaning between (1) and (2)? Thanks.[/nq]
I'd use both of these, Magnus, and in slightly diferent ways:-

- "Mmm, flash new car!" I'm approving, admiring the car - flash tells us its not only a nice car, but also expensive.

- "That new car he's bought is a bit flashy" - I don't approve of the new car - its expensive, but also ostentatious - the guy has possibly bought it to show off how much money he has.

Best regards DC

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1] in messagenews:...[/nq]
[nq:2]Person A asks person B what he or she thinks ... there any difference in meaning between (1) and (2)? Thanks.[/nq]
[nq:1]I'd use both of these, Magnus, and in slightly diferent ways:- - "Mmm, flash new car!" I'm approving, admiring the ... its expensive, but also ostentatious - the guy has possibly bought it to show off how much money he has.[/nq]
Thanks, Django Cat. I was confused by my dictionary (Oxford Advanced Learner's, 5th edition), which lists both flashy and flash as being derogatory. Your explanation corresponds better with what I was thinking before I looked it up. Is there perhaps a difference in usage between British and American English? Or has the usage changed in recent years and I need to get a newer dictionary (the one I have is from 1995)?

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2] in message[/nq]
[nq:1]news:...[/nq]
[nq:2]I'd use both of these, Magnus, and in slightly diferent ... bought it to show off how much money he has.[/nq]
[nq:1]Thanks, Django Cat. I was confused by my dictionary (Oxford Advanced Learner's, 5th edition), which lists both flashy and flash ... usage changed in recent years and I need to get a newer dictionary (the one I have is from 1995)?[/nq]
Magnus, I think you're right that this is a British not American usage. It's not that recent though - I think I've probably used it at least since the 1970's and there's a related usage, a 'Flash Harry' (someone who dresses expensively but probably got their money dishonestly) which dates back to at least the 1950s and is now pretty much out of date.

Your dictionary has a point about both words being being derogatory though. Flashy, defintely is, and flash, because of it's definite informality could be seen to be so. So you could say to a friend:-

"I hear you've got a flash new job" (you're pleased, but you don't want your friend to think you take him too seriously) - but you wouldn't say this to your boss. Equally you could imagine this conversation between friends, where maybe there's an element of jealousy:-

"Have you seen my new Rolex?" "Very flash".

My Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English from 1978 has this to say:-

Flash - modern, attractive and costly-looking: "That's a very flash car - where did you get it?"

Flashy - over-ornamemnted; unpleasantly big, bright, etc and perhaps not of good quality: "a large flashy car/cheap flashy clothes" compare flash.

Regards DC Cat

Usenet · Answer

[nq:1] in messagenews:...[/nq]
[nq:2] news:... Thanks, Django Cat. I was confused by ... a newer dictionary (the one I have is from 1995)?[/nq]
[nq:1]Magnus, I think you're right that this is a British not American usage. It's not that recent though - I ... - over-ornamemnted; unpleasantly big, bright, etc and perhaps not of good quality: "a large flashy car/cheap flashy clothes" compare flash.[/nq]
Django Cat, Thank you for taking the time to write this very detailed and informative answer. I'll be happy to assist you if you ever have a question about the Swedish language :-)

"very flashy" vs. "very flash"

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