kitschy

[kich-ee]

adjective

1. tawdry or showy and usually appealing to popular or undiscriminating taste.

   The Old Town district is known for its kitschy souvenirs, artisanal greasy-spoon restaurants, and a complete lack of parking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kitschy¹

First recorded in 1945–50; kitsch ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Stringer said he’s always had a handle on his illustration style — quaint, witty and a bit kitschy — but the distinctive look that his ceramics share also developed out of necessity.

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The decor is funky and kitschy, yet classy; it’s magical.

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It looked like a ship’s wheel, a kitschy bit of decor you might see at a nautically themed bar.

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After forming the band following an eight-month-long sailing trip in 2011, Tennis’ sound has transformed from kitschy, indie yacht pop to something much more difficult to define with genre constraints.

Read more on Salon

It’s certainly affected Msrlyan, who for the past few years has made a full-time living celebrating Los Angeles’ kitschy past.

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Related Words

• brilliant 
• flashy 
• garish 
• jazzy 
• ostentatious 
• showy 
• snazzy 
• splashy