Do you think describing something as "posh" is complimentary?

[MsFelicityLemon]

Only random musing really- but I've people staying at the moment. Been a while since they were here and anything that's changed in my house that they have spotted they have said positive things and it finished off with "very posh". (Not big costly changes either.)

Context certainly suggests that it's compliment. But it just seems such an odd way to say you like something, as to me "posh" isn't something to aspire to - also don't think I've heard (or just not noticed) anyone use it to compliment something.

So while I sit about this morning waiting for eveyone to get up I thought I'd asked MN if it's a thing - or if I've a pair of odd linguists in my house. 😂

I think context can make it anything from a compliment, to gentle ribbing between friends to a full on passive aggressive or not so passive dig- too posh for us now are you.

I always take it as a compliment however it’s meant as I do if someone says I’m middle class, that shows my insecurity though!

I think the word ‘posh’ had become enveloped with inverted snobbery.
Whether you personally aspire to be seen as posh or not, is beside the point, and is a whole other discussion topic.

I would take it as a compliment, they saw things that they view as elegant, fancy, stylish, expensive. Now I’m sure others will recoil at those words also, but I don’t think over analysis is necessary. Without doubt, the sentiment of those words are complimentary.

Posh can easily be used as a synonym for fancy / smart / I want one etc.
Take it as a compliment.

Definitely a compliment in that context. My mum and other older relatives use it in a slightly tongue in cheek way to pay a compliment - like they know something didn't actually cost a huge amount of money but they're saying it's posh to imply that it's an especially nice thing that looks expensive.

Calling something posh could be a compliment as the person perceives it to be classy & elegant

Or a derogative as the person perceives it to get gauche or nouveau riche.

Oh i know it's meant as a compliment!!! No malice in them.

Just wondered how (or who) uses to show they think something is nice.

My grandchildren laugh at me for calling things posh. I use it as a tongue in cheek way of saying something is nice, or agreeing that something they have is nice, ie one of my granddaughters painted her toenails the other day so I said “oh very posh!”.
I think maybe the meaning has changed over the years, it doesn’t always have to be about something expensive but I always mean it to be a compliment.