Origin and history of Ritz

as a symbol or embodiment of high quality or superiority, 1910 (Ritzian, adj., is attested by 1908), a reference to the luxurious Ritz hotels in New York, London, Paris, etc., commemorating Swiss hotelier César Ritz (1850-1918).

Lawyers representing the holder of the trade mark name ask that ritzy be deleted entirely from the dictionary, but "may be able to tolerate Ritz (only) being listed, provided that in accordance with s.99A of the UK Trade Marks Act 1994, a revised definition that makes it clear that it is a trade mark and therefore can only be used by The Ritz London, to alleviate our concerns."

To put on the ritz "assume an air of superiority" is recorded from 1926. A verb ritz "to behave haughtily" is recorded from 1911. As an adjective by 1926.