Hokier: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'hokey' dates back to the early 20th century, originally found in American slang.
• It’s believed to be associated with a term meaning 'fake' or 'foolish', drawing from the vaudeville and early theatrical scenes.
• The suffix '-ier' indicates a comparative form, suggesting that something is more hokey than another.

Pop Culture

• The phrase 'hokey pokey' refers to a children's song and dance, reflecting playful and silly behavior.
• In movies and television, hokey plots often refer to stories that are overly sentimental or unrealistic, making viewers chuckle.
• The term is often used in sports commentary to describe gimmicky plays that seem more for show than serious strategy.

Psychology

• Humor often stems from what is considered hokey; it highlights the absurdity of certain situations to elicit laughter.
• Studies suggest that audiences are drawn to content that is intentionally cheesy or hokey because it creates a sense of nostalgia and joy.
• People may dismiss 'hokey' content but often enjoy watching it for its lightheartedness and fun.

Literature

• Authors sometimes use hokey themes or tropes, knowing they can invoke humor or a sense of playfulness in their writing.
• In satire, hokeyness can be used to critique seriousness in society, highlighting the ridiculousness of an overly dramatic situation.
• Children's literature often embraces hokeyness to entertain young readers with exaggerated characters and absurd scenarios.