Corniness: meaning, definitions and examples
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corniness
[ˈkɔːniːnəs ]
Definition
in movies
The quality of being overly sentimental or melodramatic, often to the point of being cliché. Corniness is typically characterized by exaggerated emotions or situations that come across as insincere or artificial.
Synonyms
cliché, melodrama, sentimentality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corniness |
Best used when referring to excessive or cheesy emotional expressions, often in a playful or irreverent manner.
|
| sentimentality |
Used when describing an excessive expression of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, which can be perceived as insincere or overdone.
|
| melodrama |
Refers to exaggerated emotional reaction and drama, often seen in theatrical contexts or overly sentimental narratives.
|
| cliché |
Used to describe an overused and unoriginal idea or phrase, often criticized for lack of originality.
|
Examples of usage
- His speech was filled with corniness, making the audience roll their eyes.
- The movie's corniness was so exaggerated that it became unintentionally humorous.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'corny' originated in the early 20th century, initially referring to the corn industry and by extension to something that's 'common' or 'ordinary'.
- By the 1950s, 'corny' became associated with phrases or jokes that were overly sentimental or cliché.
- Its meaning has evolved over time, often used to describe humor that feels outdated or lacking originality.
Pop Culture
- In the world of cinema, some romantic comedies are considered corny due to predictable plots and cheesy dialogue.
- TV shows like 'Friends' often used corny jokes, making them beloved for their light-hearted, playful nature.
- The rise of social media has made 'corniness' a part of viral trends, where jokes or memes can quickly become overused.
Psychology
- Humans may enjoy corny humor because it offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, triggering fond memories of simpler times.
- Research shows that people often appreciate corny jokes in social settings, as they foster camaraderie and lighten the mood.
- Overly sentimental themes can both entertain and evoke emotional responses, showing how corny elements fulfill a social purpose.
Literature
- In literature, corny expressions are often used for comedic effect or to illustrate a character’s naivety.
- Romantic novels sometimes embrace corny tropes, providing readers with heartwarming but predictable storylines.
- Famous poets like Robert Frost sometimes used corny imagery to create contrast in their deeper messages.
Art and Design
- Corny themes have been expressed in art, with artists sometimes using kitschy elements to provoke thought or humor.
- Graphic design can also play with corny visuals, purposely incorporating outdated styles to critique consumer culture.
- Corniness in design often evokes nostalgia, appealing to viewers who favor retro aesthetics.
Translations
Translations of the word "corniness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cafonice
🇮🇳 सस्तापन
🇩🇪 Kitschigkeit
🇮🇩 kegilaan
🇺🇦 банальність
🇵🇱 kiczowatość
🇯🇵 陳腐さ
🇫🇷 ringardise
🇪🇸 cursilería
🇹🇷 banallık
🇰🇷 진부함
🇸🇦 التفاهة
🇨🇿 klišé
🇸🇰 gýčovitosť
🇨🇳 俗气
🇸🇮 kičavost
🇮🇸 hallærislegt
🇰🇿 арзандық
🇬🇪 ბანალურობა
🇦🇿 banallıq
🇲🇽 cursilería
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,045, 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.