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

“It feels retro without being kitschy,” said Jordan Egstad, creative director and co-designer of Instrument Serif, which was made for the design agency Instrument.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

From there, she suggests keeping things easy, kitschy and irresistibly snackable—“trash chic,” if you will.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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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Related Words

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