Positive:
* Wealth and prosperity: Golden is often associated with precious metals, money, and luxurious living.
* Value and excellence: "Golden opportunity" or "golden standard" imply something of high value and quality.
* Beauty and brilliance: Golden sunsets, golden hair, and golden jewelry are all associated with beauty and radiance.
* Warmth and happiness: The color gold evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and joy.
* Power and royalty: Historically, gold has been used for crowns, jewelry, and other symbols of power and status.
Negative:
* False or superficial: "Golden boy" can sometimes refer to someone who is superficially successful but lacking in substance.
* Greed and materialism: The pursuit of gold can be associated with greed and a focus on material possessions.
* Old and outdated: "Golden oldies" can refer to old-fashioned music or ideas.
* Decay or corruption: The phrase "gilded cage" refers to a seemingly luxurious situation that is actually restrictive and oppressive.
Neutral:
* Age and maturity: Golden anniversaries are associated with long-lasting relationships.
* Time and duration: "Golden hour" refers to a specific time of day, and "golden age" refers to a period of prosperity and success.
Ultimately, the connotation of "golden" is dependent on the specific context in which it is used. It is important to consider the overall message and the intended meaning to understand the nuance of the word.