Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tackiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤢
Add to dictionary

tackiness

[ˈtækɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in design

The quality of being overly sentimental, tasteless, or vulgar in style or appearance. Tackiness often refers to an excessive use of bright colors, glitter, or cliched decorations.

Synonyms

gaudiness, tastelessness, vulgarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tackiness

Used to describe something of cheap quality and lacking style or sophistication, often in a way that feels sticky or unpleasantly flashy.

  • The decorations had a certain tackiness that made the room feel less elegant.
  • Her outfit was criticized for its tackiness at the formal event.
tastelessness

Describes something lacking in taste or refinement, often perceived as being in poor judgment or highly inappropriate.

  • The jokes made at the party displayed an incredible level of tastelessness.
  • Her tastelessness in choosing that garish dress was evident to everyone.
vulgarity

Used for something that is crude, coarse, or lacking sophistication, often with an implication of being offensive or inappropriate.

  • His constant swearing and vulgarity made others uncomfortable.
  • The movie was criticized for its vulgarity and lack of depth.
gaudiness

Refers to something that is overly showy or flashy, often in a way that is excessively bright or garish, without concern for tasteful design.

  • The new store's gaudiness deterred many potential customers.
  • He redecorated the room with a gaudiness that overwhelmed the senses.

Examples of usage

  • Tackiness can be a subjective concept, as what one person finds tacky, another may find charming.
  • The tackiness of the decorations overwhelmed the overall aesthetic of the room.
Context #2 | Noun

in behavior

The lack of sophistication or refinement in one's manners or behavior. Tackiness can manifest in crude jokes, inappropriate comments, or lack of social grace.

Synonyms

coarseness, crudeness, inelegance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
tackiness

This word is often used to describe something that is in poor taste, overly showy, or lacking sophistication. It has a negative connotation and is used in informal settings.

  • The decorations at the party had a certain tackiness that didn't suit the elegant setting.
  • His outfit was full of tackiness, with bright, clashing colors and cheap accessories.
crudeness

Crudeness refers to a lack of politeness, refinement, or taste. It often describes behavior, language, or actions that are blatant and unrefined. It also carries a negative connotation and is used in social and behavioral contexts.

  • His jokes were filled with crudeness that offended many of the guests.
  • The film was criticized for its crudeness and lack of subtlety.
coarseness

This word describes something that is rough or unrefined, both in texture and manners. It can refer to someone's language, behavior, or physical attributes. Coarseness often implies a lack of sophistication or refinement.

  • The coarseness of his hands revealed years of hard manual labor.
  • Her coarseness in conversation made everyone uncomfortable at the dinner table.
inelegance

Inelegance refers to something that lacks grace, style, or refinement. It can be used to describe physical appearance, behavior, or actions that do not meet standards of elegance or sophistication. It is a more neutral term compared to 'tackiness' and 'crudeness'.

  • The inelegance of her movements suggested she was new to ballroom dancing.
  • Despite the inelegance of the packaging, the product inside was of high quality.

Examples of usage

  • Her tackiness at the party embarrassed her friends.
  • His tackiness in public settings often led to awkward situations.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Viewpoints

  • In some cultures, 'tackiness' can be seen as a badge of honor, celebrating bold, colorful choices that defy minimalism.
  • Reality TV often amplifies the idea of tackiness, showcasing extravagant lifestyles and appearances that challenge conventional tastes.
  • Certain clothing styles, such as neon leg warmers from the 1980s, were initially viewed as tacky but have seen a resurgence as retro fashion.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Psychologically, humans often use evaluative terms like 'tacky' to categorize social behaviors, further reflecting our values and beliefs.
  • The perception of tackiness can provoke strong emotional responses, influencing social interactions, especially in group settings.
  • A phenomenon called 'cognitive dissonance' can occur when individuals enjoy something deemed tacky, leading to inner conflict over personal taste.

Art and Design

  • In art, what is considered tacky can often challenge traditional aesthetics, prompting discussions about value and authenticity.
  • Some artists purposefully embrace tackiness to critique consumer culture, turning cheap materials into provocative masterpieces.
  • The 'Kitsch' art movement celebrates the tacky by redefining it as high art, elevating what many dismiss as low-quality.

Popular Culture

  • Movies and television often depict tackiness as humorous, using characters and settings that embody exaggerated styles.
  • The term is frequently used in fashion critiques, especially when evaluating trends seen on red carpets versus everyday life.
  • Online memes about tacky home decor or fashion faux pas contribute to collective awareness and humor around the topic.

Origin of 'tackiness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the word 'tacky' which originally meant 'sticky' or 'adhesive' in the late 19th century.
  • Its figurative sense evolved to describe things that are not stylish or are considered poor in taste.
  • In some dialects, 'tacky' can also refer to something that is poorly done or constructed.

The word 'tackiness' originated from the adjective 'tacky,' which initially meant 'sticky' or 'adhesive' in the early 19th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe something that is cheap, tasteless, or lacking refinement. The term is often used in design and behavior contexts to critique elements considered gauche or unsophisticated.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,705, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.