The world “gaudy” or “gaudie” comes from the famous song “Gaudeamus Igitur” which is heard in the graduation ceremonies of most European universities.
It begins: “Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dun sumus…” which best translates to English like: “Let’s rejoice therefore, while we are young!” Its original title was: “De Brevitate Vitae” and refers to living our short life with this “extravagant joyfulness” that is so typical of college student’s lifestyle.
An adjective describing a bright and joyful match of colours, pattern, scale or all three.
It has come to mean also possibly in bad taste and lacking in all sophistication. A little bad taste though, can be just what is needed …