Something showy is made to catch the eye: bright colour, big size, shine, gold, a pattern that shouts. People often say it with a small frown — pretty, yes, but a bit too much, as if it wants looking at. A showy dress, a showy car, showy jewellery. You can call a person showy if they like to display money or taste. Though actually, gardeners say “showy flowers” in a calm way, just meaning the blooms are large and easy to see, not that the plant is showing off. Flashy is a close everyday cousin; showy turns up in both careful writing and ordinary talk.