ritzy

American  

[rit-see] / ˈrɪt si /

adjective

Slang.

ritzier, ritziest

1. swanky; elegant; posh.

   They bought a condo in a ritzy neighborhood.

   The fundraiser is going to be a ritzy gala affair downtown.

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ritzy British  

/ ˈrɪtsɪ /

adjective

1. slang luxurious or elegant

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Other Word Forms

• ritzily adverb
• ritziness noun

Etymology

Origin of ritzy

An Americanism first recorded in 1915–20, after the Ritz hotels founded by César Ritz (died 1918), Swiss entrepreneur; see ritz, -y ¹

Explanation

Something ritzy is expensive and fancy, like a ritzy living room decorated with heavy brocade curtains and plush velvet cushions. If you're ever invited to a ritzy party, you'll want to dress up in your most luxurious clothes and prepare to enjoy delicious food and opulent decor. The informal adjective ritzy implies luxury that's a little over the top. It was coined around 1910, inspired by the famously elegant Ritz Hotels (™) that César Ritz opened starting internationally in the late 19th century.

Example Sentences

The Canadian-born performer was rushed to the hospital on January 30 after having difficulty breathing at her home in the ritzy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

While $461 is a lot for a hotel room — and you’ll likely need to get two — perhaps your friends would be fine with less ritzy accommodations.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

At the annual meeting of San Francisco’s ritzy Marina neighborhood last fall, residents buzzed about the hottest property in their nook of the city: a giant, aging Safeway grocery store.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Those who love gardening tend to prefer quality over ritzy bling.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

“It will look really ritzy when you ride to church in the new Cadillac this fall!” wrote Miss Love.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Related Words

• opulent
• plush
• posh
• stately
• swank