kitschy

American

[kich-ee] / ˈkɪtʃ i /

adjective

tawdry or showy and usually appealing to popular or undiscriminating taste.

The Old Town district is known for its kitschy souvenirs, artisanal greasy-spoon restaurants, and a complete lack of parking.

Etymology

Origin of kitschy

First recorded in 1945–50; kitsch ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

Kitschy things are so extremely sentimental that they're a little ridiculous. Your grandma's paintings of big, sad-eyed clowns could be politely described as kitschy. While many kitschy things are considered to be in bad taste, vulgar, or gaudy, there are many who appreciate the emotional overkill of truly kitschy collectibles and art. If you're one of these people, you'll browse happily for hours in a kitschy thrift store, eventually leaving with a print of dogs playing poker or Elvis painted on velvet. Kitschy is from the German word kitsch, "gaudy" or "trash."

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Vocabulary lists containing kitschy

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Putting their names and faces on clothing is a kitschy, ironic way of showing they are in on the joke, said Niki Norton, founder of Southern Merch and Marketing, a Louisiana consulting firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

“It’ll be funny, effective, kitschy, nostalgic and change the way we use self-help for the better.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

MILAN—In a gleefully kitschy Opening Ceremony that featured ancient Romans, dancing espresso pots and a number by Mariah Carey, Italy threw open its arms to welcome the entire world to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The format, featuring kitschy plotlines and stories told via addictive and smartphone-friendly 60-second instalments, has taken Hollywood by storm in the last two years.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

Auntie Fatima marches around the table clockwise, making a sample bag to show us what we are aiming for: a muddle of cheap, kitschy candy.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023