noun / adjective
kitsch
KICH/kɪtʃ/
Art or design seen as tacky or overly sentimental, sometimes enjoyed for that quality.
The glittery swan ornament is an example of sentimental kitsch.
Etymology
The verb kitschen, 'to smear,' underlies German Kitsch, meaning gaudy or trashy material. English applies that disparaging idea to art and design judged tastelessly showy or sentimental.
In context
Gone is the clutter and kitsch of the 1990s.
More examples
- She collects kitsch ornaments from old seaside resorts.
- The room’s plastic flamingos embrace a kitsch aesthetic.
- The critic found the painting sentimental kitsch.
Forms
kitsch
Similar words
- camp
- Camp knowingly enjoys exaggerated style; kitsch names work judged tacky or sentimental, whether knowingly appreciated or not.
- tackiness
- Tackiness is poor taste broadly; kitsch especially concerns art and design.