Cheesily: meaning, definitions and examples

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cheesily

 

[ ˈtʃiːzɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a silly manner

Cheesily refers to doing something in a cheesy or overly sentimental way, often to the point of being cloying or insincere. It is commonly used to describe actions, phrases, or styles that are exaggerated and intended to evoke an emotional response but can come off as corny.

Synonyms

cornily, sentimentally, silly, tacky

Examples of usage

  • She smiled cheesily at the camera during the photo shoot.
  • The movie ended with a cheesily romantic scene that felt forced.
  • He delivered his lines cheesily, trying to win over the audience.
  • The decorations were cheesily themed for the holiday party.

Word origin

The term 'cheesy' in its modern context dates back to the mid-20th century. Initially, it referred to cheese as a low-quality product, particularly in the context of American-made cheese products. Over time, the word evolved to describe things that are cheap, low-quality, or overly sentimental and insincere, both in art and behavior. The adverb form 'cheesily' arose from this adjectival usage, implying that something is done in a way reminiscent of that low-quality cheesiness. This semantic shift reflects a broader cultural inclination to critique and parody excessive sentimentality, often found in film, literature, and pop culture.