campy

[ kam-pee ]

adjective

, camp·i·er, camp·i·est.

1. of, relating to, or characterized by theatrical or extravagant style, expressing playful irreverence or knowing amusement:

   a campy send-up of romantic operettas.

ˈcampy

/ ˈkæmpɪ /

adjective

1. effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc
2. relating to or considered characteristic of homosexuals
3. consciously artificial, exaggerated, vulgar, or mannered; self-parodying, esp when in dubious taste

Other Words From

• camp·i·ly adverb
• camp·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of campy¹

First recorded in 1930–35; camp ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

It seems impossible that the movies would return to the light, campy tone of the past — particularly given how divided the world feels these days.

From Washington Post

“The Magician” is brimming with entertaining soap opera, campy bons mots and riveting history.

From Washington Blade

Above all, it’s an unabashedly campy affair, a wild and wooly Freudian melodrama that resembles a fable from the Brothers Grimm as interpreted by Jean Genet.

From Washington Blade

A prolific career in campy horror movies made him a cult film icon, and his fame and stature rose through associations with directors like Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Gus Van Sant, and Lars Von Trier.

From Washington Blade

If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s as fab and campy as Provincetown or Rehoboth Beach on a summer night, “Playing the Palace” by Paul Rudnick is the book for you.

From Washington Blade

Oh this happened, and Williams sold it in all of its campy glory.

From The Daily Beast

It gets at the whole “cynical jockeying for power” aspect of the series, plus it sounds pretty intense—and campy!

From The Daily Beast

In the air is a Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas vibe, a little campy, a little naughty and a lot raw.

From The Daily Beast

And it's not exactly because Lifetime's version isn't nearly as campy or fun as many viewers might have been expecting.

From The Daily Beast

Some (many) critics would argue that that is seven campy, poorly made, arguable offensive films too many.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• campy
• charming
• comical
• delightful
• diverting
• droll
• engaging
• enjoyable
• entertaining
• fun
• gratifying
• humorous
• interesting
• lively
• pleasant
• pleasing