schlock

or shlock

[ shlok ]

adjective

1. Also cheap; trashy:

   a schlock store.

noun

1. something of cheap or inferior quality; junk.

schlock

/ ʃlɒk /

noun

1. goods or produce of cheap or inferior quality; trash

adjective

1. cheap, inferior, or trashy

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlock¹

First recorded in 1910–15; apparently from Yiddish shlak “apoplectic stroke, evil, nuisance, wretch” (compare Middle High German slac(g) “blow”; slay ); development of the English sense is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of schlock¹

Yiddish: damaged merchandise, probably from German Schlag a blow; related to slay

Example Sentences

I was trying to make a mockumentary-type fake B-movie comedy, but the company didn’t see the humor in it and turned it into schlock.

From Salon

There have been many approaches to this material, from farcical comedy to jolly schlock to art film.

From Los Angeles Times

For now this movie from the hip indie studio A24 simply exerts itself as it tries way too hard to join the hallowed ranks of exploitation favorites extolling schlock values.

From New York Times

It doesn’t take much for clowns to be creepy — the unnatural colors and rictus grins do the heavy lifting — an effect that’s been exploited by schlock horror for eons.

From New York Times

They all have the right attitude: They understand the history of schlock and they respect the pleasures of the ridiculous.

From Los Angeles Times