Tacky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คข
tacky
[หtรฆki ]
Definitions
fashion
Lacking style or good taste; gaudy; cheap.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tacky |
Used to describe something that is in poor taste, often due to being flashy or not well-made.
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| gaudy |
Describes something that is excessively bright or showy in a way that is not aesthetically pleasing.
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| cheap |
Refers to something that is low in cost or poorly made. Can also imply something of low quality or inferior standards.
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| vulgar |
Used to describe something that is lacking sophistication or good taste, often in a crude or offensive manner.
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Examples of usage
- She wore a tacky, sequined dress to the party.
- The tacky decorations made the room look cluttered.
behavior
Showing poor judgment or taste; tastelessly offensive.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tacky |
Describing something that looks cheap, gaudy, or of poor quality. Often used in casual conversations.
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| vulgar |
Describing something crude, coarse, or offensive, particularly in terms of language or behavior. It has a strong negative connotation.
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| crass |
Refers to behavior or speech that is insensitive or shows a lack of culture, often considered rude. It's slightly more formal.
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| tasteless |
Used for something lacking refinement or good taste. Can refer to food, clothing, behavior, etc.
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Examples of usage
- His tacky jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
- I found her tacky behavior unacceptable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the world of fashion, 'tacky' is often used to describe styles that are flamboyant but lack sophistication, like certain over-the-top outfits seen on reality TV.
- Tacky dรฉcor in homes is a popular theme in reality shows, where people often reveal their quirky yet mismatched tastes.
- Memes often use 'tacky' to describe humorous or cringe-worthy moments in videos and social media posts.
Psychology
- People often perceive 'tacky' items as lacking authenticity, which can trigger feelings of embarrassment or second-hand shame in social situations.
- Cognitive dissonance may play a role when people feel drawn to something 'tacky' yet aware it doesn't align with their personal style.
- Interestingly, humor related to tackiness often stems from exaggeration and the unexpected; finding beauty in the absurd.
Art
- In art, 'tacky' can describe works that adopt overly commercial styles, often critiqued for lacking depth but celebrated for visual impact.
- The term has been used to describe certain movements in contemporary art where irony and kitsch are embraced.
- Notable artists have played with the idea of tackiness, turning it into a form of commentary on consumer culture.
Origin of 'tacky'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tacky' first appeared in the early 19th century, originally referring to something that was sticky or adhesive.
- In the 1920s, 'tacky' evolved to describe things that were in poor taste or gaudy, often referring to fashion.
- It has roots in the Scots word 'tack', meaning to adhere or stick, which reflects its original meaning.
The word 'tacky' originated in the early 19th century from the American English word 'tack' meaning 'small nail'. It was initially used to describe something that was sticky or adhesive. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something of poor quality or style. The word 'tacky' is commonly used in informal contexts to criticize something as tasteless or cheap.