Hokier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฆโโ๏ธ
hokier
[หhoสkiษr ]
Definition
informal usage
The term 'hokier' is an informal comparative adjective derived from the word 'hokey', which describes something as overly sentimental or corny. It is often used to describe things that are kitschy or have a contrived quality. Additionally, 'hokier' can imply something that lacks authenticity or sophistication, often in a humorous or dismissive manner. It is generally used in a colloquial context to express a negative opinion about a situation or creative work that feels forced or overly dramatic.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The movie was hokier than I expected.
- His speech was a bit hokier than usual.
- This decoration looks even hokier in person.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'hokier'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'hokey' dates back to the early 20th century, originally found in American slang.
- Itโs 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.
The word 'hokey' itself originated in the early 20th century, derived from the 19th-century term 'hoke', which originally referred to nonsense or foolishness. 'Hokey' started to gain traction as a term that described something that was overly sentimental or contrived, and by the 1950s, it was widely used in American colloquial speech to denote anything perceived as cheesy or lacking in authenticity. The comparative form 'hokier' likely emerged as a natural extension of the adjective, allowing speakers to compare degrees of 'hokiness' in various contexts. 'Hokey' has often been used in entertainment, especially related to films, music, and performances that are perceived as lacking depth or sophistication. Over the years, 'hokier' has found its place in informal discussions, such as social media, where people critique trends or media that evoke a sense of exaggerated sentimentality.