Words / C2

KICH/kɪtʃ/

Kitsch is cheaply sentimental or fake-tasteful art and objects: a foyer of kitsch, kitsch souvenirs. Tacky is everyday; camp can enjoy the excess on purpose. Kitsch as an adjective (kitsch décor) is common. Do not call a spare, exact diagram kitsch.

Meaning

Art or objects that are cheaply sentimental or in badly imitated “good taste”.

Examples

• “The foyer’s kitsch — gilt swans and a motto — undercut the research brand.”
• “Gilt swans and a motto in the foyer were kitsch that undercut the lab’s brand.”
• “Camp winks at excess; kitsch is the excess without the wink, or with a worse one.”

Good to know

Tacky pseudo-art / cheap sentiment. Everyday: tacky. Cousin: camp (knowing excess). Can be noun or adjective. Not a clean diagram.

Near in meaning

tacky

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