gaudy from Gaudi?
 

A rather silly question but...<BR>I was recently told that the word gaudy came from Gaudi. Is this true?

Actually, I've heard that same anecdote in Spain directed toward English speakers. It seems to be true, especially when you think of the rather staid styles into which Gaud&iacute; introduced his designs.

I don't claim any expertise here, but my Webster's 9th ed. dictionary lists the first usage of the word as being in 1583, which is somewhat (!) before A. Gaudi, so that suggests this isn't quite accurate -- just a nice coincidence. (IMHO, Gaudi would probably not consider his work gaudy, esp. compared to high Italian Baroque, but that's pure speculation.)

Sorry, but my Webster's says it is from Middle English &quot;gaud&quot;, the largest bead in a trinket or rosary.

Thank you for checking for me. I thought it didn't sound right.