Corniest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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corniest
[หkษหrniษชst ]
Definition
humor, phrases
The term 'corniest' refers to something considered overly sentimental, trite, or clichรฉ, particularly in terms of humor or expressions. It often describes jokes, phrases, or situations that are so predictable or stereotypical that they provoke eye-rolls rather than laughter. Corny elements are typically exaggerated and aim to evoke nostalgic feelings or laughter, but they may come off as insincere or childish. The word is commonly used in informal contexts, especially when criticizing comedy or romantic gestures.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- That was the corniest joke I've ever heard.
- She always sends me the corniest memes.
- He proposed in the corniest way possible.
- I can't believe he used that corniest pickup line.
Translations
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Origin of 'corniest'
The word 'corny' originated in the early 20th century in American slang. Initially, it was used to describe something that was related to cornfields or rural life. Over time, it evolved to imply that something was unsophisticated, simple, or lacking in complexity, much like corn itself can be seen as a basic and widely available food. By the 1940s, 'corny' had taken on a more specific meaning, relating to entertainment and humor, especially as it pertained to jokes and expressions deemed overly sentimental or clichรฉd. The superlative form 'corniest' naturally followed as it became common to describe something as the most corny among various options.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,819, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.