The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

cheesy

IPA:

Dictionary definition of cheesy

Tacky, clichéd, or lacking in sophistication.
"The movie had a cheesy ending with the couple running towards each other in slow motion."

Detailed meaning of cheesy

It refers to things that are overly sentimental, exaggerated, or overly sentimental in a way that is often seen as artificial or inauthentic. When something is described as cheesy, it implies a lack of originality or artistic merit, often characterized by excessive use of sentimentality, melodrama, or exaggerated elements. It can be applied to various aspects such as movies, music, fashion, or even behavior or expressions. 'Cheesy' often evokes a sense of cringe or embarrassment due to its perceived lack of taste or quality. While the term can be subjective and vary in its usage, it generally conveys the idea of something that is overly sentimental, exaggeratedly simple, or lacking in genuine substance.

Example sentences containing cheesy

1. Her love notes were filled with cheesy, over-the-top expressions of affection.
2. The comedian's jokes were cheesy and elicited forced laughter from the audience.
3. The restaurant's décor was adorned with cheesy, outdated memorabilia.
4. The greeting card had a cheesy message that made the recipient cringe.
5. The couple shared a cheesy dance in the middle of the crowded room.
6. The TV show featured cheesy special effects that were more laughable than impressive.

History and etymology of cheesy

The adjective 'cheesy' carries an interesting etymology. It derives from the noun 'cheese,' which has its origins in the Old English word 'cēse.' Initially, 'cheesy' referred to something that literally had the characteristics of cheese, such as its texture, odor, or taste. Over time, this term underwent a semantic shift, particularly in the United States during the 19th century, where it began to be used figuratively to describe things that were perceived as cheap, gaudy, or lacking in sophistication. This transition likely occurred because, in some contexts, cheese was associated with being a low-cost food item. As a result, 'cheesy' evolved to describe anything that seemed tasteless, unrefined, or overly sentimental, which is how we commonly use it today to describe something that is tacky, clichéd, or lacking in sophistication.

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Further usage examples of cheesy

1. The singer's cheesy ballad brought tears to some eyes, but eye-rolls to others.
2. The photo booth at the party had cheesy props and backdrops for guests to use.
3. The magician's cheesy tricks failed to amaze the skeptical audience.
4. The romantic novel was filled with cheesy dialogue and predictable plot twists.
5. The commercial featured a cheesy jingle that got stuck in people's heads.
6. The movie's plot was so cheesy it made us cringe.
7. His cheesy pickup lines rarely worked with anyone.
8. The restaurant had a cheesy, retro décor.
9. That song has such cheesy lyrics, but it's catchy.
10. The cheesy dialogue ruined the otherwise good film.
11. The party had a cheesy '80s theme with neon decorations.
12. She wore a cheesy costume for Halloween.
13. His cheesy jokes always made everyone laugh.
14. The romantic subplot felt forced and cheesy.
15. The sitcom's humor was often cheesy but endearing.
16. Their love story was depicted in a cheesy romance novel.
17. The wedding had a cheesy, fairytale theme.
18. The comedian's act was filled with cheesy one-liners.
19. The tourist trap had a cheesy gift shop.
20. The promotional video was filled with cheesy effects.
21. The show's special effects were pretty cheesy.
22. The restaurant served a cheesy, greasy pizza.
23. The event had a cheesy photo booth with props.
24. His cheesy charm won her over in the end.
25. The movie's ending was a bit cheesy, but we liked it.