'tawdry' originates from Middle English, specifically the phrase 'tawdry lace,' which referred to a type of cheap lace sold at St. Audrey's Fair.

'tawdry lace' transformed into the adjective 'tawdry,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'tawdry.'

Initially, it referred to cheap lace, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'showy but cheap and of poor quality.'