adjective / noun
camp
A style of playful, deliberately exaggerated theatricality.
The show embraces camp with glittering costumes and theatrical poses.
Etymology
Origin uncertain. The theatrical style-name should not inherit the root of camp meaning a military or temporary settlement.
More examples
- Its deliberately excessive acting is part of the camp appeal.
- She enjoys the playful camp of old monster movies.
- The performance grew camper with every extravagant costume change.
Forms
camp · camper · campest
campy adjective — Playfully exaggerated and theatrical.
Similar words
- theatrical
- Broader; need not be playful or deliberately excessive.
- kitschy
- Emphasizes conspicuous poor taste, not necessarily knowing theatricality.