When the adjective is placed before the noun it tends to carry a figurative, or metaphorical meaning. When it follows the noun, it carries a more literal, or actual meaning. Paw-Paw adores very old furniture. Marianne est l' ancienne copine de Tex. Marianne is Tex's former girlfriend.
Tammy likes expensive perfumes from Paris.
In general, armadillos are not tall. Tex est un grand philosophe. Tex is a great philosopher. Tammy and Bette adore the same little armadillo. When he came to Austin, Tex was a financially poor armadillo.