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Kitschy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Kitschy describes something that is overly sentimental, tacky, or in poor taste but often in a way that is amusing or nostalgic. It refers to cheap, flashy, or gaudy items meant to appeal to popular trends.

kitschy

/ˈkɪtʃi/ /ˈkɪtʃi/

Definition:

Art or objects considered tastelessly garish or sentimental, often in a charming or ironic way.

Synonyms:

Tacky, gaudy, campy, garish

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Elegant, tasteful

Common Collocations:

Kitschy decor, kitschy souvenirs, kitschy art

Derivatives:

Kitschiness, kitschily

Usage Tips:

Use "kitschy" to describe overly flashy or sentimental items, often with a playful or nostalgic tone.

Common Phrases:

Kitschy charm, kitschy vibe, kitschy aesthetic

Etymology:

From German "kitsch," meaning cheap or vulgar art, derived from dialectal "kitschen" (to smear).

Examples:

  • 1. The hotel lobby was filled with kitschy neon signs and plastic palm trees.
  • 2. She collects kitschy souvenirs from every tourist spot she visits.
  • 3. His apartment has a kitschy vibe with vintage posters and mismatched furniture.
  • 4. The movie’s sets were deliberately kitschy to evoke a 1950s feel.

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