kitschy
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of kitschy
First recorded in 1945–50; kitsch ( def. ) + -y 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Kitschy things are so extremely sentimental that they're a little ridiculous. Your grandma's paintings of big, sad-eyed clowns could be politely described as kitschy. While many kitschy things are considered to be in bad taste, vulgar, or gaudy, there are many who appreciate the emotional overkill of truly kitschy collectibles and art. If you're one of these people, you'll browse happily for hours in a kitschy thrift store, eventually leaving with a print of dogs playing poker or Elvis painted on velvet. Kitschy is from the German word kitsch, "gaudy" or "trash."
Vocabulary lists containing kitschy
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Instructions for Dancing
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This makes Lego a kitschy means of egalitarian expression, effective for conveying all manner of messaging and symbolism.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
Putting their names and faces on clothing is a kitschy, ironic way of showing they are in on the joke, said Niki Norton, founder of Southern Merch and Marketing, a Louisiana consulting firm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
No one even attempts the accent and a few kitschy phrases aren’t going to cut it, not even from supporting stars like Henry Winkler and Lena Headey.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Inside the jokiness of a kitschy mall, “Eternity” spring a tantalizingly emotional scenario: Should the unknown or the familiar prevail?
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025
Auntie Fatima marches around the table clockwise, making a sample bag to show us what we are aiming for: a muddle of cheap, kitschy candy.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
