la-di-da
/ˌlɑː diˈdɑː/
ADJECTIVE
1. Pretentious or affectedly refined
Displaying exaggerated refinement, sophistication, or social elegance in an artificial or insincere way, often to appear superior or belong to a higher social class.
1.1. Pretentious manners and behavior
Describes someone whose manners, behavior, or attitude seem artificially refined, self-important, or intended to convey social superiority.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- unpretentious
- unassuming
- humble
- modest
- down-to-earth
- genuine
Examples
- Her la-di-da manner made the other guests feel uncomfortable.
- He adopted a la-di-da attitude whenever he spoke about his expensive lifestyle.
- They disliked the restaurant's la-di-da atmosphere and pretentious service.
Related Words
- affectation
- snobbery
- arrogance
- conceit
- superiority
- gentility
1.2. Artificially elegant speech or appearance
Describes speech, clothing, style, or presentation that appears excessively polished, formal, or sophisticated in an affected manner.
Synonyms
- mannered
- artificial
- stilted
- overrefined
- chichi
- overdone
- highfalutin
- theatrical
Antonyms
Examples
- His la-di-da accent sounded unnatural to everyone in the room.
- She disliked the hotel's la-di-da decorations and overly formal atmosphere.
- The actor delivered his lines in a deliberately la-di-da voice.
Related Words
- elegance
- refinement
- formality
- affectation
- sophistication
NOUN
2. An affected or pretentious person
A person who displays exaggerated refinement, social superiority, or affected sophistication.
2.1. A snobbish or pretentious person
Refers to someone who behaves as though they are socially superior or more refined than others.
Synonyms
- snob
- poseur
- pretender
- pompous person
- social climber
Antonyms
- commoner
- egalitarian
- unpretentious person
Examples
- He was regarded as a la-di-da who looked down on ordinary people.
- The novel portrays its wealthy protagonist as a fashionable la-di-da.
- Nobody wanted to deal with the office's resident la-di-da.
Related Words
- snobbery
- elitism
- affectation
- aristocracy
- social status
2.2. Affected or exaggerated refinement
Refers to behavior, speech, or manners characterized by artificial gentility and pretentious sophistication.
Synonyms
- affectation
- pretentiousness
- snobbery
- pomposity
- ostentation
Antonyms
- humility
- modesty
- simplicity
- unpretentiousness
- naturalness
Examples
- The guests were tired of the host's constant la-di-da.
- Her speech was full of unnecessary la-di-da.
- The event had an air of la-di-da that made it feel exclusive.