how tacky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how tacky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disapproval or criticism regarding something that is considered in poor taste or overly showy. Example: "I can't believe she wore that outfit to the gala; it was just how tacky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

How tacky.

The New York Times

How tacky is that?

The New York Times - Magazine

How tacky it all looks when someone dares to colorize the frames.

The New York Times - Magazine

How tacky is that?" Mind you, he says, Holby isn't that bad.

The Guardian

Here those conventions assume a goofy, festive air, which makes you realize how tacky the originals can be.

The New York Times - Arts

"My dear, how tacky is that?" Down in the village, meanwhile, 13-year-old Stanley is having a lonely Christmas, too.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And let's quickly pass over the closing photograph of devastation in Haiti that appeared behind the stage except to point out how beyond tacky it is to draw associations between such a patently silly dance and the unimaginable hardships being endured by that nation.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of the bad guys here are poachers and drug dealers whom Mack knows from his downward spiral, and one of Carlson's themes is how the tacky tendrils of American modernity have reached out to touch, and mutate, even the remotest parts of the American wilderness.

Los Angeles Times

O.K., it was a bit tacky how excited they were to "break records" as Sandy approached.

The New Yorker

Snog me!" The whole thing strikes one as, how you say?, tacky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the tacky "How much do you make?" question came up, the pear tree could document its net worth at $1,192, and say that some of its earnings come from the 527.67 grams of pollutants it saves from human lungs every year, a value to society that economists put at $2.59.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how tacky" to express subjective disapproval of something considered to be in poor taste or overly ostentatious.

Common error

Avoid using "how tacky" in formal or professional settings, as it can come across as too informal or judgmental. Opt for more neutral or diplomatic language to express your disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how tacky" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey a negative judgment or disapproval of something considered to be in poor taste. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it adds emphasis to the speaker's opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how tacky" is a relative clause used to express disapproval of something considered to be in poor taste. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage is common across news and media outlets, but is best to be avoided in formal contexts. When you want to express that something is unrefined, gaudy, or simply not your style, "how tacky" offers a concise and impactful way to do so. Consider alternatives such as "how distasteful" or "how vulgar" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how tasteless

Replaces "tacky" with a synonym emphasizing a lack of aesthetic judgment.

how gauche

Uses a more formal synonym for "tacky", suggesting a lack of social grace.

how unrefined

Focuses on the lack of sophistication or polish.

how cheap

Emphasizes the low quality or perceived value.

how vulgar

Suggests offensiveness or lack of propriety.

how kitsch

Implies an excessive or gaudy style.

how trashy

Conveys a strong sense of poor taste and low quality.

how low-class

Indicates a lack of sophistication and elegance.

how inelegant

Highlights the lack of grace or style.

how awful

Provides a more general expression of dislike or disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "how tacky" in a sentence?

You can use "how tacky" to express your disapproval or criticism about something that seems to be in poor taste. For example: "I can't believe she wore that outfit to the opera; it was just how tacky."

What's a more formal alternative to "how tacky"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using "how distasteful", "how gauche", or "how vulgar" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "how tacky"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "how tacky" in formal or professional settings, as it can sound overly judgmental or informal. Consider the register of your audience and choose a more neutral expression when needed.

What's the difference between "how tacky" and "how cheap"?

While both phrases express disapproval, "how tacky" focuses on the perceived poor taste or lack of style, whereas "how cheap" emphasizes the low quality or inexpensive nature of something.