English Explanatory Dictionary

kitsch

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Art, decorative objects, and other forms of representation of questionable artistic or aesthetic value; a representation that is excessively sentimental, overdone, or vulgar.
adj
  1. Of art and decor: of questionable aesthetic value; excessively sentimental, overdone or vulgar.

Pronunciation

kĭch /kɪt͡ʃ/ en-us-kitsch.ogg en-au-kitsch.ogg

Word forms

kitsch kitsches kitscher more kitsch kitschest most kitsch

Etymology

From German Kitsch, from dialectal kitschen (“to coat, to smear”); the word and concept were popularized in the 1930s by several critics who contrasted it with avant garde art.

Synonyms

camp campy kitschy schmaltzy corny

Derived words

Holo-kitsch kitschify kitschly kitschness kitschy
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