divey atmosphere
- noun
- Informal
:
ambiente informal
- The local pub had a divey atmosphere, but it was always packed with friendly regulars.
Examples
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She preferred the divey atmosphere of small diners to the polished feel of upscale restaurants.
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Despite the divey atmosphere, the food and service at the bar exceeded his expectations.
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This bar has a great divey atmosphere!
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I love the divey atmosphere of this pub.
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The local bar is known for its divey atmosphere, making it a favorite among neighborhood residents.
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Many people enjoy the divey atmosphere of the old tavern, where they can relax and meet friends.
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Though the place looks worn down, its divey atmosphere creates a welcoming space for all patrons.
Synonyms
A relaxed, friendly atmosphere like a pub
A friendly, relaxed place like a pub with wooden tables and dim lights
A feeling in a place that is old and not well kept
Antonyms
How Seedy
Surface Forms
Morphology
divey + atmosphere
The adjective 'divey' is a colloquial formation from 'dive' (as in 'dive bar') + the adjectival suffix -y, so combined with 'atmosphere' it plausibly means a shabby, unpretentious ambiance. However, the slang sense of 'dive' and the informal coined form 'divey' may not be known to many B1 learners (who may only know literal 'dive' = jump), making the meaning only partially predictable from the parts.
Etymology
The phrase divey atmosphere may come from the old idea of a dive, a small, often dark bar people would 'dive' into to drink. That picture of a simple, a little run-down but friendly place explains why the phrase now means 'relaxed and unpretentious'.