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Glite Dictionary
look-at-me effect

look-at-me effect

7.8
A style or item that makes someone stand out to get attention
  • noun
translation icon : efecto llamativo
  • Her sparkling dress gave her a real look-at-me effect at the party.

Examples

  • The designer's new collection has a strong look-at-me effect with bold colors and dramatic shapes.

  • For a subtle outfit, avoid accessories with too much of a look-at-me effect.

  • The new dress has a striking look-at-me effect.

  • Isn't that look-at-me effect a bit too much?

  • Her sparkling dress created a stunning look-at-me effect that drew everyone's attention at the party.

  • The designer's latest collection features outfits with a pronounced look-at-me effect, perfect for those who want to stand out.

  • I prefer subtle clothing, as I find the look-at-me effect of bright colors overwhelming.

Antonyms

understated
27 6.5

Simple and quiet in a way that looks elegant

How Noticeable

look-at-me effect
7.8
subtlety
54 6.8

Surface Forms

look-at-me effect singular
look-at-me effects plural

Morphology

look-at-me + effect

The compound is transparently built from a familiar imperative-like phrase 'look at me' meaning 'draw attention' plus 'effect' meaning 'result or impression', so a learner who knows those constituents can infer it denotes an attention-grabbing quality. The construction follows a regular compositional pattern (noun 'effect' modified by a descriptive phrase) and is cross-linguistically straightforward, making it readily understandable at B1.

Etymology

Look-at-me effect comes from the simple image of a performer or a peacock making a bold show so everyone turns to look. So, when someone wears bright clothes, big jewelry, or makes a loud move and people notice, the look-at-me effect is the 'attention' they create.