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Cornily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cornily

[หˆkษ”หrnษชli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

style of humor

Cornily refers to the manner of expressing something in a way that is overly sentimental or cliched, often to the point of being ridiculous or cheesy. This expression is used to describe jokes or phrases that lack originality and are excessively predictable.

Synonyms

cheesily, sentimentally, stupidly, tritely.

Examples of usage

  • He told a corny joke at the party.
  • The movie was filled with corny lines.
  • She smiled at his corny pickup line.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many popular sitcoms and movies feature 'corny' jokes, relying on slapstick humor or puns to elicit laughter.
  • Corny holiday movies, often found on TV, celebrate overly sentimental themes and predictable plots, intended for feel-good viewing.

Literature

  • Authors often use corniness in humor to highlight the absurdities of life, allowing readers to connect with characters who embrace silly moments.
  • Poems and songs sometimes play on corny phrases to subvert expectations and create humor, making everyday scenarios amusing.

Psychology

  • Studies indicate that people often enjoy corny humor as it can create a sense of comfort and nostalgia, evoking happy memories.
  • Corny jokes can serve as social bonding tools, as laughter can bring people together, even over the cheesiest of punchlines.

Communication

  • Using corny humor in conversation can break the ice and lighten the mood, making difficult topics easier to approach.
  • Some people purposely use corny jokes to showcase their personalities, attracting others who appreciate light-heartedness.

Origin of 'cornily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'corny' originated in the U.S. in the 1920s, derived from 'corn', which was slang for something unoriginal or clichรฉd.
  • The connection between corn and something cheap or inferior comes from the image of being common, as corn was a staple crop.

The word 'corny' as an adjective originally emerged in American slang around the late 19th century. It is thought to derive from the word 'corn', which at the time referred to something of little value or quality, akin to corn being a staple agricultural product that was frequently used in common dishes. The use of the term 'corny' expanded to describe things that were overly sentimental or cliched, particularly in the context of humor and romance. The adverbial form 'cornily' followed suit, indicating the style in which something is delivered, particularly with a humorous or exaggerated sentimental flair. Over time, 'corny' has found its way into popular culture and language, gaining a pejorative tone in many contexts while still being endearing in others, illustrating the fine line between earnestness and cheesiness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,588, 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.