kitsch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "kitsch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is considered to be low-quality or in bad taste. For example, you might say, "That cheap, plastic ornament is a perfect example of kitsch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

House of Blondie is a vintage concept store, run by Kareena Vinaik, selling jewellery, sunglasses and kitsch blouses under dozens of oversized light bulbs.

The Guardian - Travel

Mirroring the kitsch decor of Presley's home, the suite comes complete with replica billiard room and "jungle room".

The Guardian - Travel

When Arnaud Lagardère, one of France's most important press barons and aerospace bosses – and a man who calls himself a "brother" to the president – appeared in a kitsch video declaring his undying love for a Belgian swimwear model less than half his age and a foot taller, it wasn't just seen as a lapse of taste.

The Guardian

They're either aggressive or kitsch; thecentre:mk is neither.

The Guardian - Arts

The fantasy demi-monde of F1 is crazier and more kitsch than anything from a 1960s cult movie – part Barbarella, part Fantastic Voyage with, as Newey has revealed, a pinch of One Million Years BC chucked in.

The Guardian - Sport

Ask Torontonians to name their favourite purchase from the Honest Ed's department store, and you rapidly compile a compendium of kitsch to fascinate any anthropologist from the future.

The Guardian

This wonderful fantasy tearoom is perfect for kids and lovers of kitsch.

The Guardian - Travel

The kitsch extravaganza originated in 1996, when Sushi was placed inside a chicken wire and paper mache construction, and caused such a ruckus it was almost shut down by the police.

The Guardian - Travel

But he abandoned it near the end of his career when it was adopted by artists with whom he did not want to be associated: "I could damage my reputation, since much of what they do is pure kitsch.

The Guardian - Film

It's as if he's shed all that karma, producing a record something that sounds almost charming in its innocence, complete with the odd element of kitsch.

The Guardian - Music

Some of his most successful drawings and paintings are of children, whom he managed to capture without resorting to Millais's later kitsch (it is impossible to think of Brown making a painting like Bubbles).

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kitsch" to describe art, decor, or objects that are excessively sentimental, overdone, or vulgar. Be mindful of the context, as its connotation can vary from critical to appreciative, especially in discussions of camp or retro styles.

Common error

Avoid using "kitsch" as a purely negative term without considering the possibility of ironic or affectionate appreciation. Sometimes, "kitsch" is enjoyed for its humor or nostalgic value.

Linguistic Context

The word "kitsch" functions primarily as a noun describing art, objects, or decor considered to be in poor taste due to excessive garishness or sentimentality. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this word in written English, offering numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "kitsch" is a frequently used noun, describing items or styles characterized by poor taste, excessive sentimentality, or vulgarity. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's a correct and usable term in English, commonly found in discussions of art, culture, and design. While often used critically, "kitsch" can also be appreciated ironically or affectionately, particularly in contexts like "camp aesthetic". Be mindful of the context and potential for nuanced interpretations when using the word "kitsch". Consider using alternatives like "tacky decor" or "gaudy ornamentation" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacky decor

Focuses on the visual aspect and lack of refinement.

gaudy ornamentation

Emphasizes excessive and tasteless embellishment.

vulgar art

Highlights the crudeness and lack of sophistication.

overdone embellishment

Stresses excessiveness in decoration or style.

affected sentimentality

Implies insincere and exaggerated emotion.

corny representation

Suggests something that is trite and outdated.

lowbrow aesthetic

Indicates a lack of intellectual or artistic depth.

trashy style

Points to poor quality and bad taste.

bad art

A simple but direct way to criticize art.

camp aesthetic

Hints at something deliberately exaggerated or theatrical.

FAQs

How can I use "kitsch" in a sentence?

"Kitsch" can be used to describe items or styles characterized by excessive sentimentality or poor taste. For example, "The living room was filled with "kitsch decor", including velvet Elvis paintings and plastic flamingos."

What is the difference between "kitsch" and "camp"?

While both terms relate to exaggerated or theatrical styles, "kitsch" generally refers to something that is unintentionally in poor taste, whereas "camp" often involves a deliberate appreciation of "kitsch aesthetic" and irony.

What are some synonyms for "kitsch"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "tacky decor", "gaudy ornamentation", or "corny representation" to describe something that is considered "kitsch".

Is "kitsch" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "kitsch" often implies something is in poor taste, it can also be used with affection or irony, particularly when discussing retro trends or "camp aesthetic". The intent of the speaker or writer heavily influences the word's connotation.