cheesy

[chee-zee]

adjective

cheesier, cheesiest 

1. of or like cheese.

   a cheesy aroma; a cheesy taste.

2. Slang.,  inferior or cheap; chintzy.

   The movie's special effects are cheesy and unconvincing.

cheesy

/ ˈtʃiːzɪ /

adjective

1. like cheese in flavour, smell, or consistency

2. informal,  (of a smile) broad but possibly insincere

   a big cheesy grin

3. informal,  banal or trite; in poor taste

Other Word Forms

• cheesiness noun
• cheesily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cheesy¹

1350–1400; Middle English. See cheese ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

I think of it like a little flavor orchestra: saucy, cheesy, meaty, tangy, fresh.

From Salon

Who decided to make him look like a cheesy martian?

From Los Angeles Times

For creamy, yolky dishes: fold it into cheesy potatoes, swipe it into horseradish aioli alongside fries, or whisk it into a horseradish–ranch dressing for a steak salad.

From Salon

TJ’s rendition of Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs is deliciously cheesy with a hint of spiciness.

From Salon

The brand is best known for making specialty whey butter, which uses the cream that is separated from whey to produce a “mild, nutty, cheesy and richer, fuller flavor” butter, per its official website.

From Salon