corny

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'corny' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something as being overly sentimental, trite, or cliched. For example: "The movie was full of corny one-liners.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On investigation, the rules of the republic turned out to be diktats like: 'you have to pay to get in', 'don't sell drugs or you'll be thrown in prison by the private security' and 'don't pee in the sea', so it was obvious the whole 'rave republic' thing was just a bunch of corny nonsense trumped up to make the whole thing, and him, look more important than it was.

The Guardian - Music

From another player's mouth, these lines would sound corny and false, but United fans were drawn to Cantona's romantic flourishes.

The Guardian - Sport

It was like that moment in a corny Hollywood movie when the frumpy girl next door takes off her glasses and – aw, gee! – it's Grace Kelly!

The Guardian - Travel

Bruce Springsteen "corny"?

The Economist

(One of the villains has the Pig-Latinate name of "Ooq-Yu-Fay". There will be blood, but there will also be plenty of corny puns).

The Economist

He admits they are corny, yet crowds love them.

The Economist

This was the cue for some corny reminisce.

The Economist

Her corny southern accent sounds more like George Wallace, Alabama's segregationist governor and presidential candidate, than any of the black churchgoers in the audience.

The Economist

The crowd laughed with relief, on realising they were getting a corny joke not a classics lecture.Mr Cruz had some work to do.

The Economist

In "The Fantastic Four", the characters grumble when their corny brand names are foisted on them for marketing purposes.

The Economist

(Google, again, is more susceptible than most, partly because of its size and partly because its "don't be evil" motto, corny as it is, provides an easy stick to beat it with).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "corny" to describe something intentionally or unintentionally sentimental or cliché, understanding its common negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "corny" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound dismissive or overly critical. Consider alternative descriptive words if you need a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "corny" primarily functions to describe something as being overly sentimental, trite, or cliché. This assessment aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Independent

6%

The Economist

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "corny" is a common adjective used to describe something as overly sentimental, trite, or cliché. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. While generally carrying a negative connotation, it can sometimes be used affectionately or ironically. When using "corny", be mindful of its potential to sound dismissive and consider alternative, more nuanced descriptors where appropriate. Alternative phrases, like "trite" or "clichéd", can provide a more precise meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trite

This alternative emphasizes the lack of originality and freshness.

clichéd

This term highlights the overuse and predictability of the expression.

hackneyed

This emphasizes that the expression has been used so often that it has become stale.

overdone

Implies something has been done to excess, losing its impact.

banal

Focuses on the lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

cheesy

Indicates something is cheap, low quality, or in bad taste.

kitschy

Emphasizes the gaudy or tasteless nature of something.

stale

Highlights the lack of freshness and originality.

mawkish

Focuses on the excessive sentimentality and emotional display.

schmaltzy

Indicates excessive sentimentality, often in an exaggerated or theatrical way.

FAQs

How can I use "corny" in a sentence?

You can use "corny" to describe something that is overly sentimental, cliché, or lacking in originality. For example, "The movie had a "corny" ending that ruined the otherwise good plot."

What's a less judgmental synonym for "corny"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "sentimental" or "nostalgic" might be more appropriate if you want to avoid sounding overly critical.

What makes something considered "corny"?

Something is considered "corny" when it is perceived as being too cliché, predictable, or overtly emotional in a way that is considered unoriginal or insincere.

Is it always negative to describe something as "corny"?

While generally negative, calling something "corny" can sometimes be affectionate or ironic, implying a self-aware enjoyment of something that is cliché.