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I was reading a book when I saw this word, and when I searched for it, the definition was along the lines of 'when someone tries to be attractive but fails'.

I don't know if I'm remembering it incorrectly or what, but I skimmed through the book and could not find it. Does anyone have any idea?

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    Since you've tagged this as a single word request, you should include a sample sentence demonstrating how the word would be used.
    – KillingTime
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 6:28
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    Lipstick on a pig?
    – aparente001
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 8:27
  • Similarly, "Mutton dressed as Lamb", though neither of these expressions solves the OP's quest for a single word.
    – Duckspindle
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 10:04
  • Also try looking at pretentious and its synonyms, and wannabe.
    – aparente001
    Commented Jul 14, 2022 at 15:31
  • I suggest there is no such single word, and aparente001's lipstick on a pig or Duckspindle's mutton dressed as lamb are as close as you'll get. Either way, in my view word, phrase or expression requests should be promoted to their own specialised community, perhaps named 'Vocabulary.'
    – Robbie Goodwin
    Commented Sep 6, 2022 at 19:48

2 Answers 2

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A single word for this seems tricky. A somewhat close match is "chichi"

trying too hard to be decorated in a stylish or attractive way and therefore having no real style or beauty

There are also related words (which do not match your definition but could lead in the right direction): frilly, pretentious, splashy

On the off chance that you misremember the definition, a word for trying to be attractive (and not failing) is "peacocking":

when a male uses ostentatious clothing and behavior to attract a female and to stand out from other competing males, with the intention to become more memorable and interesting

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  • Interesting, I didn't know this meaning of chichi. Also note that, it is a slang word for 'a woman's breasts'. It comes from Japanese ちち (chichi). Good answer, upvoted.
    – ermanen
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 8:40
  • @ermanen I always assumed, based on nothing but the sound of the word and the Italian reputation for style, that 'chichi' meaning 'unsuccessfully aspirational' came from Italian.
    – BoldBen
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 10:48
  • @BoldBen To clarify: I've meant the slang usage of chichi for 'breasts' comes from Japanese ちち (chichi). However, chichi in the answer comes from French chichi meaning 'affected manners' (1886 in faire du chichi).
    – ermanen
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 10:53
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A simple, but perhaps somewhat informal, word to describe this would be "Tryhard". (Dictionary.com)

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    Now give us an example of this used in a sentence. Also, name the dictionary and then make that title a hyperlink.
    – aparente001
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 8:26
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    In my mind, tryhard doesn't evoke the idea of failing to be attractive on its own.
    – KillingTime
    Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 8:34

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