artsy
|art-sy|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑɹtsi/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑː(r)tsi/
displaying an artistic style
Etymology
'artsy' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'art' + the adjectival suffix '-y' (informal), where 'art' ultimately traces to Latin 'ars' meaning 'skill' or 'craft'.
'art' entered English via Old French 'art' from Latin 'ars'; the colloquial adjective 'artsy' developed in 20th-century (particularly American) English as an informal/slang formation from 'art' + '-y'.
Initially it meant 'relating to art' or 'characteristic of art'; over time it also acquired the nuance 'affectedly artistic' and can be used pejoratively.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
informal: characteristic of or relating to art or artists; having an artistic quality, style, or sensibility.
Her apartment is very artsy, filled with paintings and handmade furniture.
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Adjective 2
informal, often disapproving: trying to be artistic in a way that seems affected, contrived, or pretentious.
The new cafe seems a bit artsy and pretentious.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/24 18:22