Kitsch: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จ
kitsch
[ kษชtส ]
art style
Kitsch is a term used to describe art, objects, or design that is considered to be in poor taste because of its overly sentimental or gaudy nature. It often involves exaggerated or clichรฉ elements and is seen as mass-produced, lacking in genuine originality or depth. Kitsch can be found in various forms, including decorations, art pieces, and popular culture artifacts. Despite its negative connotations, kitsch is sometimes embraced for its nostalgic value or playful irony.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The living room was decorated with kitsch from the 80s.
- Her collection of kitsch items always makes me laugh.
- He enjoys kitsch movies for their unintentional humor.
style description
When used as an adjective, kitsch describes objects or art that is characterized by a superficial or tasteless aesthetic. These items often appeal to popular or lowbrow culture, and they can evoke feelings of nostalgia or humor. Kitsch is subjective and what one person regards as kitsch, another might appreciate as quirky or charming.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The kitsch decor added a fun vibe to the cafรฉ.
- She wore a kitsch sweater with a cat print.
- They served kitsch cocktails at the themed party.
Translations
Translations of the word "kitsch" in other languages:
๐ต๐น kitsch
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฟเคเฅเคธเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Kitsch
๐ฎ๐ฉ kitsch
๐บ๐ฆ ะบััั
๐ต๐ฑ kitsch
๐ฏ๐ต ใญใใใฅ
๐ซ๐ท kitsch
๐ช๐ธ kitsch
๐น๐ท kitsch
๐ฐ๐ท ํค์น
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุชุด
๐จ๐ฟ kitsch
๐ธ๐ฐ kitsch
๐จ๐ณ ไฟๆฐ (sรบqรฌ)
๐ธ๐ฎ kitsch
๐ฎ๐ธ kitsch
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะธัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฉแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kitsch
๐ฒ๐ฝ kitsch
Etymology
The word 'kitsch' originated from the German slang of the 1950s, where it initially meant 'cheap' or 'low-quality art.' It became popularized in the 1960s among art critics who aimed to describe a certain aesthetic that was prevalent in mass-produced art forms. The usage continued to evolve, reflecting cultural attitudes toward kitsch as both a form of art and a satirical commentary on consumer culture. Over time, the term has come to encompass not just the art itself, but also the broader sensibilities and ironies related to the appreciation of such art. Kitsch represents a significant part of contemporary discussions surrounding art, taste, and cultural value, questioning what constitutes genuine art and who gets to define it.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #30,041 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 30038 congruity
- 30039 decentralize
- 30040 rejuvenate
- 30041 kitsch
- 30042 emended
- 30043 beetroot
- 30044 thickener
- ...